During a routine checkup, a nurse observes that a 4-year-old child has noticeably enlarged tonsils but is otherwise healthy with no signs of infection. The child's parents express concern. Which statement BEST explains this finding?
Lymphoid tissue, including tonsils, normally enlarges in early childhood and may exceed adult size before gradually shrinking in adolescence.
This finding is abnormal and warrants an urgent referral to an ENT specialist.
The enlarged tonsils suggest the child's immune system is underdeveloped.
The enlarged tonsils indicate a chronic infection that requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Tonsils are part of the lymphatic system, which is most active in early childhood to help the body respond to infections and build immunity. It is common for tonsils to appear large in healthy children between ages 3 and 6. This is a normal physiological finding and usually does not indicate illness unless accompanied by symptoms such as fever, difficulty breathing, or recurrent infections.
B. While significantly enlarged tonsils causing airway obstruction, sleep apnea, or recurrent infections may require evaluation, tonsillar enlargement alone in an otherwise healthy child is typically normal and does not require urgent referral.
C. Enlarged tonsils in this age group indicate a normally active immune system, not underdevelopment. They help the body recognize and respond to antigens, supporting healthy immune function.
D. Chronic or acute infections may cause tonsillar enlargement, but in the absence of symptoms such as fever, redness, or exudate, there is no evidence of infection, and antibiotics are not indicated.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Rho(D) immune globulin is not given only after delivery. Administering it after delivery alone prevents sensitization for future pregnancies but does not provide prophylaxis during the current pregnancy.
B. The woman does not only receive Rho(D) immune globulin after her second pregnancy. Prophylaxis is necessary during the current pregnancy if she is Rh-negative and the fetus is at risk of being Rh-positive.
C. Rho(D) immune globulin is not given monthly during pregnancy. Standard prophylaxis involves a scheduled dose at 28 weeks gestation, with an additional dose postpartum if the newborn is Rh-positive. More frequent dosing is only indicated if there is a significant risk of fetal-maternal hemorrhage (e.g., miscarriage, trauma, amniocentesis).
D. The recommended schedule for Rh-negative women without prior sensitization is to receive a prophylactic dose of Rho(D) immune globulin at 28 weeks gestation and again within 72 hours after delivery if the newborn is Rh-positive. This prevents the mother’s immune system from producing antibodies against Rh-positive fetal red blood cells, reducing the risk of hemolytic disease in current or future pregnancies. Administration is also indicated after events that increase fetal-maternal blood mixing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Delaying pain management is not appropriate in a child experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. Pain relief is a priority nursing intervention, and documenting refusal without offering alternatives does not address the child’s suffering.
B. Forcing medication or implying it is mandatory can increase the child’s fear and anxiety, potentially worsening pain and reducing cooperation. It is not a therapeutic approach and does not respect the child’s autonomy.
C. Waiting is unsafe and unethical. A pain score of 10/10 indicates severe pain that requires prompt management. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of pain-related complications, including stress-induced vaso-occlusion or prolonged crisis.
D. Since the child refuses IV opioids due to fear of needles, the nurse should first implement alternative strategies while respecting the child’s autonomy. Nonpharmacologic interventions for sickle cell pain include distraction techniques such as videos, games, or music, guided imagery or relaxation exercises, heat application to affected joints, and deep breathing exercises. These approaches can reduce anxiety and pain perception and can be used immediately while exploring other analgesic options, such as oral opioids, patient-controlled analgesia, or topical analgesics.
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