A nurse is caring for a child who has pertussis. The child's parent asks the nurse what the common name for this disease is. The nurse should
respond with which of the following common names?

Choice A reason: Encouraging the child to avoid sharing hats with other children is a preventive measure to reduce the risk of lice transmission. Lice are spread by direct contact with the hair or personal items of an infested person. Hats, combs, brushes, scarves, and pillows are some of the items that can harbor lice.

Choice B reason: The lice can survive for 2 weeks away from the host is a false statement. Lice cannot live longer than 24 to 48 hours without a human host. They need blood to survive and reproduce. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.

Choice C reason: Washing your child's hair daily will prevent lice is a false statement. Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. They can affect anyone regardless of how often they wash their hair. In fact, lice may prefer clean hair because it is easier to attach to. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.

Choice D reason: Lice can jump from one child to another is a false statement. Lice cannot jump, fly, or hop. They can only crawl from one person to another. Therefore, this information is not helpful for the parents to prevent or treat lice.

Choice A reason: Tremors are not a likely finding in a child with hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose. Tremors are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose, as the body releases adrenaline to stimulate the release of glucose from the liver. Tremors may also be caused by anxiety, caffeine, or certain medications.

Choice B reason: Shallow respirations are not a likely finding in a child with hyperglycemia, unless the child has developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body breaks down fat for energy and produces ketones, which are acidic substances that can cause metabolic acidosis. In DKA, the child may have rapid and deep breathing, also known as Kussmaul respirations, as the body tries to eliminate excess carbon dioxide and acid. However, DKA usually occurs when the blood glucose level is above 300 mg/dL, and the child may also have other signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity breath, and confusion.

Choice C reason: Pallor is not a likely finding in a child with hyperglycemia, as the blood flow to the skin is not affected by high blood glucose. Pallor is more commonly associated with anemia, shock, or hypoxia, which are conditions that reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood or the blood flow to the tissues.

Choice D reason: Lethargy is a likely finding in a child with hyperglycemia, as high blood glucose can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and impaired brain function. The child may feel tired, weak, and drowsy, and have difficulty concentrating or staying awake. Lethargy may also indicate that the child is at risk of developing DKA, which can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly.