The nurse has brought a group of preschoolers to the playroom to play. Which activity would the nurse predict the children to become involved in?

A. Pertussis:

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by a persistent cough with a distinctive "whoop" sound during the inspiratory phase. The cough can be severe and may last for several weeks. The characteristic whooping sound is due to the rapid intake of breath after a coughing episode.

B. Asthma:

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. It is not typically associated with a whooping sound during the inspiratory phase. Asthma symptoms are often triggered by factors such as allergies, exercise, or exposure to irritants.

C. Bronchiolitis:

Bronchiolitis is commonly caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), especially in infants. It presents with symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and respiratory distress. However, it does not involve the characteristic whooping cough sound seen in pertussis.

D. Acute Laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB):

Acute Laryngotracheobronchitis, or croup, is characterized by a barking cough, stridor (a high-pitched sound during inhalation), and respiratory distress. It is common in young children and is often caused by viruses. Unlike pertussis, it does not typically include the distinctive whooping sound.

A. “My child has a vocabulary of approximately 20 words.”

This statement indicates language development, and an 18-month-old with a vocabulary of approximately 20 words is within the expected range. It's a positive indicator of language acquisition.

B. “My child is still thumb sucking.”

Thumb sucking is a common self-soothing behavior in infants and toddlers. While it's a normal behavior, it typically decreases with age. Thumb sucking alone may not necessarily be a cause for concern unless it persists significantly and interferes with other aspects of development.

C. “My child seems to be quite wary of strangers.”

Stranger anxiety is a normal developmental stage, and many children exhibit wariness or fear of unfamiliar people around the age of 18 months. It is considered a typical response and not necessarily indicative of developmental delay.

D. “My child is able to stand but is not yet taking steps independently.”

At 18 months, most children are expected to be walking independently. The inability to take independent steps might be a concern for gross motor skill development. While some variation is normal, a delay in achieving this milestone might prompt further evaluation to rule out any underlying developmental issues.