The mother of an infant who has been treated for recurrent respiratory infections asks the nurse why infants are at increased risk for respiratory infections.
What is the best response by the nurse?
Infants’ primary caregivers often do not recognize symptoms early enough.
Infants’ airways are smaller, allowing for larger numbers of organisms to enter.
Infants’ airways are narrow and obstruct more easily, trapping organisms.
Infants’ respiratory rates are faster, which does not allow them to cough effectively.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While it’s true that early recognition of symptoms can help in managing respiratory infections, this is not the primary reason why infants are at increased risk. Infants can be more susceptible to respiratory infections due to physiological factors rather than caregiver awareness.
Choice B rationale
Infants do have smaller airways compared to adults, which can allow for a larger number of organisms to enter. However, the size of the airways is not the main factor that increases the risk of respiratory infections in infants. Other factors, such as the maturity of the immune system and the ability to clear the airways, play a more significant role.
Choice C rationale
Infants’ airways are indeed narrow and can obstruct more easily, trapping organisms. This is one of the main reasons why infants are at an increased risk for respiratory infections. The narrow airways in infants can lead to increased resistance and decreased airflow, making it easier for organisms to invade and cause infections.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that infants have faster respiratory rates than adults, this does not necessarily increase their risk for respiratory infections. A faster respiratory rate does not inhibit an infant’s ability to cough effectively. In fact, coughing is a protective reflex that can help clear the airways of mucus and foreign particles.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
These therapies will decrease our child’s resistance to respiratory infections. This statement is incorrect. The therapies mentioned - chest physiotherapy (CPT), use of a flutter valve, and a cough assist machine - do not directly decrease a child’s resistance to respiratory infections.
Instead, they help manage the symptoms of cystic fibrosis by helping to clear mucus from the lungs, which can improve lung function and reduce the risk of lung infections.
Choice B rationale
These therapies will only be done when our child is showing signs of illness. This statement is incorrect. These therapies are part of the daily management of cystic fibrosis and are typically done regularly, not just when the child is showing signs of illness.
Choice C rationale
These therapies will help to loosen our child’s secretions and allow for better expectoration. This statement is correct. The goal of these therapies is to help clear thick, sticky mucus from the lungs, which can improve breathing and reduce the risk of lung infections.
Choice D rationale
These therapies will allow for the removal of mucus from our child’s GI tract that blocks digestion. This statement is incorrect. While cystic fibrosis can affect the digestive system by causing thick mucus to block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine, the therapies mentioned are primarily used to help clear mucus from the lungs.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pain management is crucial after a tonsillectomy. Pain can prevent children from eating or drinking, leading to dehydration. Therefore, ensuring that the child’s pain is well managed is an important part of post-operative care.
Choice B rationale
Mild ear pain or bad breath after surgery can be signs of complications such as infection. Therefore, parents should be instructed to report these symptoms if they occur.
Choice C rationale
After a tonsillectomy, the throat is often sore and swollen. Eating soft foods can help prevent further irritation or injury to the throat. Crunchy foods could scratch the healing throat and cause discomfort.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that scabs will form on the tonsils as they heal, it’s important to monitor them. If a scab dislodges too early, it can cause bleeding. Therefore, this statement is not entirely accurate and should not be included in the discharge instructions.
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