A nurse is contributing to the care plan of an 18-month-old child who has pneumonia. Which of the following items should the nurse select for the child's play activities?

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Administering an oral corticosteroid is not the first action the nurse should take. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and itching caused by poison ivy. However, they are usually prescribed if the symptoms are severe or if the rash covers a large area of the body. It’s important to note that corticosteroids can have side effects, especially when used for a long time, so they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale: Applying calamine lotion to the affected area can help soothe the skin and relieve itching caused by poison ivy. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. The first step is to remove the oil from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. Calamine lotion can be applied after the area has been thoroughly washed.

Choice C rationale: Instructing the parent to give the child an oatmeal bath twice daily can help soothe the skin and relieve itching. However, this is not the first action the nurse should take. Similar to calamine lotion, an oatmeal bath can be beneficial after the area has been thoroughly washed to remove the oil from the skin.

Choice D rationale: The first action the nurse should take when caring for a child exposed to poison ivy is to flush the area with cold, running water. This helps to remove the oil (urushiol) from the skin that causes the allergic reaction. It’s important to do this as soon as possible after exposure to help prevent the spread of the oil to other areas of the body or to other people. After flushing the area, the nurse can then apply calamine lotion or recommend an oatmeal bath to help soothe the skin and relieve itching.

Choice A rationale:
"Provide your child with long-term goals to increase self-esteem." While setting long-term goals can indeed contribute to increasing a child's self-esteem, this choice may not be the most directly related to promoting a child's learning, especially for a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD often struggle with attention and focus, and setting long-term goals might not address their immediate needs in terms of learning strategies.
Choice B rationale:
"Offer your child frequent breaks in activity during the day." Children with ADHD often benefit from frequent breaks in activities to help manage their attention and energy levels. These breaks can help prevent mental fatigue, increase focus, and enhance overall learning. This choice is appropriate for promoting the child's learning and is often recommended as part of ADHD management strategies.
Choice C rationale:
"Administer your child's medication at bedtime to prevent insomnia." This statement is not necessarily accurate for all medications used to treat ADHD. Some ADHD medications can indeed cause insomnia as a side effect, but the timing of medication administration can vary based on the specific medication and the child's individual response. It's essential for parents to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding medication timing.
Choice D rationale:
"Schedule a different routine for your child each day." Children with ADHD often benefit from consistent routines and schedules, as they provide structure and predictability, which can help manage their symptoms. Introducing a different routine each day could actually exacerbate symptoms and make it more challenging for the child to focus and engage in learning activities.