A nurse is planning care for a 4-year-old child who requires airborne precautions. Which of the following activities should the nurse plan for the child?

Choice A: An ostomy is a surgical opening in the abdomen that allows stool to pass out of the body. A child who has Hirschsprung disease, which is a condition that causes a blockage of the large intestine due to a lack of nerve cells, may need an ostomy to relieve the obstruction and prevent complications. The ostomy is usually temporary and can be reversed after the affected part of the intestine is removed or repaired. This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching, as the parent knows that the ostomy is not permanent.

Choice B: A urinary catheter is a tube that drains urine from the bladder. A child who has Hirschsprung disease does not need a urinary catheter, as their condition does not affect their urinary system. This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as the parent is confused about the type of surgery or device that their child will have.

Choice C: A feeding tube is a tube that delivers nutrition directly into the stomach or small intestine. A child who has Hirschsprung disease may need a feeding tube if they have severe malnutrition, dehydration, or infection due to their condition. However, this is not always necessary and depends on the individual case and the surgeon's preference.
This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as the parent assumes that their child will need a feeding tube without knowing the specific plan.

Choice D: A child who has Hirschsprung disease will not have normal bowel movements after the initial surgery, as they will still have an ostomy that bypasses their large intestine. They will need another surgery to reconnect their intestine and restore their bowel function. This statement indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching, as the parent has unrealistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery.

Choice A: A WBC count of 17,000/mm³ is an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates leukocytosis, which is an increase in white blood cells. Leukocytosis can occur in a child who has cystic fibrosis (CF), which is a condition that causes thick mucus to block the airways and lungs and causes respiratory infections and inflammation. A normal WBC count for children is 5,000 to 10,000/mm³.

Choice B: A neutrophil count of 3,000/mm³ is not an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates normal neutrophil levels. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that fight bacterial infections. A normal neutrophil count for children is 1,500 to 8,000/mm³.

Choice C: A lymphocyte count of 3,000/mm³ is not an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates normal lymphocyte levels. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that fight viral infections. A normal lymphocyte count for children is 1,500 to 4,000/mm³.

Choice D: An RBC count of 4.2 million/mm³ is not an abnormal result that the nurse should anticipate when reviewing this client's laboratory values, as it indicates normal red blood cell levels. Red blood cells carry oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body. A normal RBC count for children is 4 to 5.5 million/mm³.