A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has appendicitis.
For which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as a manifestation of a perforated appendix and report to the provider?

The correct answer is Choice B: Administer the medication to the toddler each evening.

Choice B rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term management of asthma, especially in preventing nighttime symptoms. It is typically prescribed to be administered once daily in the evening to provide optimal therapeutic benefits. By instructing the parents to give the medication each evening, the nurse promotes adherence to the prescribed dosing schedule and helps maximize the medication's effectiveness in controlling the toddler's asthma symptoms.

Choice A rationale: While some medications can be mixed with juice or other liquids to make them more palatable for children, montelukast should not be dissolved in a drink. Instead, it can be mixed with a spoonful of cold, soft food, such as applesauce or ice cream, if necessary, to facilitate administration. Mixing with juice could potentially alter the medication's efficacy or create an unpleasant taste.

Choice C rationale: Montelukast is not indicated for use as a quick-relief medication prior to physical activity. It is a maintenance medication intended for long-term asthma control rather than immediate relief of acute symptoms. Providing an additional dose of montelukast before physical activity would not serve the intended purpose and could increase the risk of side effects.

Choice D rationale: Montelukast is not meant to be used as a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks. It is a long-term control medication that helps prevent asthma attacks and improve overall symptom management. For acute asthma attacks, the toddler would require a fast-acting beta-agonist or other appropriate rescue medication prescribed by their healthcare provider. Administering montelukast during an acute asthma attack would not provide the rapid relief needed to alleviate symptoms and could potentially delay appropriate treatment.

Choice A rationale:

Wave hands to attract the attention of law enforcement. Rationale: This is not recommended during an active shooter situation. Waving hands to attract attention may draw the shooter's focus towards you. It's generally safer to stay quiet and hidden rather than trying to signal law enforcement.

Choice B rationale:

Move wounded clients to a safe area before finding shelter. Rationale: While it's important to provide assistance to wounded clients, moving them during an active shooter situation may not be advisable. It can put both the wounded and those attempting to help them at risk. The priority is to find a safe place and take cover while awaiting law enforcement.

Choice C rationale:

Turn cellular phones to silent mode. Rationale: This is the correct action to take. Turning cellular phones to silent mode helps maintain silence and prevent the phone from ringing or vibrating, potentially alerting the shooter to your location. It's essential to maintain silence and avoid drawing attention during an active shooter situation.

Choice D rationale:

Attempt to bargain with the shooter. Rationale: Attempting to bargain with the shooter is not a recommended action. Engaging with the shooter can escalate the situation and put lives at risk. The best course of action is to hide, stay quiet, and await law enforcement intervention.