A nurse is discussing pertussis with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?
Prophylactic treatment is offered to those who have been in close contact with an infected child in the past 60 days.
Severe, prolonged episodes of coughing is a characteristic manifestation of this infection.
A painful, stiff neck is a common manifestation of this infection.
An antiviral medication is administered to treat this infection.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Prophylactic treatment is offered to those who have been in close contact with an infected child in the past 60 days. While prophylactic antibiotics (such as azithromycin) are recommended for close contacts of an infected person, the timeframe for exposure is within the past 21 days, not 60 days.
B. Severe, prolonged episodes of coughing is a characteristic manifestation of this infection. Pertussis (whooping cough) is marked by severe coughing fits followed by a "whooping" sound during inhalation. The cough is paroxysmal (sudden and violent), prolonged, and can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, or respiratory distress.
C. A painful, stiff neck is a common manifestation of this infection. A stiff neck (nuchal rigidity) is more commonly associated with meningitis, not pertussis. Pertussis primarily affects the respiratory system, causing a severe cough.
D. An antiviral medication is administered to treat this infection. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, so it is treated with antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin), not antivirals.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cardiac enzymes. Cardiac enzyme tests are used to assess heart damage, such as in myocardial infarction, and are not typically relevant in evaluating a child's nutritional status.
B. Complete blood count. A CBC is a key diagnostic test for assessing nutritional status, as it can reveal anemia (low hemoglobin and hematocrit), infection (elevated white blood cells), and overall health status. It helps identify deficiencies in iron, folate, and vitamin B12, which are common nutritional concerns in children.
C. Blood coagulation tests. Coagulation tests (e.g., PT, INR, aPTT) are used to assess blood clotting disorders and monitor anticoagulant therapy, but they are not standard tests for nutritional assessment unless there is suspicion of a vitamin K deficiency.
D. Arterial blood gases. ABG tests assess respiratory function and acid-base balance, which are more relevant in critically ill patients. They are not routinely used to evaluate a child's nutritional status.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Print out a copy of the asthma action plan and thoroughly review it with the child and the school nurse prior to discharge. While an asthma action plan is essential, it is not sufficient if the parent is not actively engaged. The parent also needs education and support to properly manage the child's condition at home.
B. Write out a detailed schedule of the child's medications and a list of their healthcare providers’ addresses and phone numbers in case they should need it. Providing a medication schedule is helpful, but it does not address the root issue—parental disengagement. Simply handing out information does not ensure the parent understands or feels empowered to manage the child's asthma.
C. Empower the child's parent to help manage the asthma by offering comprehensive education on the condition, treatment plan, and managing potential complications at home. Parental education and engagement are crucial for managing uncontrolled asthma. Offering clear explanations, demonstrating medication use (such as inhalers and spacers), and discussing signs of worsening asthma can help the parent feel more confident and involved in their child’s care.
D. Contact child protective services to intervene in the family since the child's parent does not seem adequately prepared to manage the client's illness at home. CPS involvement is not appropriate unless there are signs of medical neglect (e.g., refusal to seek care, persistent non-adherence). In this case, the best first step is education and support to encourage parental involvement.
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