The nurse recognizes that a 4-year-old hospitalized child is exhibiting which characteristic of cognitive development, when the child tells the nurse it’s sad to be at home alone?

Choice A rationale

After a laparoscopically assisted endorectal pull-through procedure for Hirschsprung’s disease, it is important to monitor for the return of bowel sounds. This indicates that the gastrointestinal tract is starting to recover and function again after surgery. Until bowel

sounds return, indicating that peristalsis has resumed, the child should remain NPO (nothing by mouth) to prevent vomiting and aspiration.

Choice B rationale

Applying barrier cream to the diaper area is generally good practice for infants to prevent diaper rash, but it is not specifically related to the care of a child who has just undergone surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease.

Choice C rationale

While it is important to assess the surgical site regularly to check for signs of infection or complications, this does not need to be done every 2 hours. A more typical frequency might be every 4 to 8 hours, depending on the child’s condition and hospital policy.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring rectal temperature every 8 hours is not specifically related to the care of a child who has just undergone surgery for Hirschsprung’s disease. While it is important to monitor for fever as a sign of infection, temperature can usually be measured less invasively.

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.