The parent of a hospitalized 2-year-old child with viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) asks the nurse why the pediatrician did not prescribe antibiotics. Which response would the nurse make?
The child is too young to receive antibiotics
"Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present.
The child may be allergic to antibiotics.
The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics
The Correct Answer is B
A. The child is too young to receive antibiotics: This statement doesn't address the actual reason for not prescribing antibiotics for croup, which is primarily due to its viral nature.
B. "Antibiotics are not indicated unless a bacterial infection is present."
Explanation:
Viral laryngotracheobronchitis, commonly known as croup, is typically caused by a viral infection, most commonly by the parainfluenza virus. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses. Therefore, unless a bacterial infection is also present, prescribing antibiotics is not necessary or beneficial in treating croup.
C. The child may be allergic to antibiotics: While antibiotic allergies are a consideration, it doesn't explain why antibiotics are not prescribed for viral illnesses like croup.
D. The child still has the maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics: Maternal antibodies can offer some protection against infections, but the primary reason for not using antibiotics in viral infections like croup is because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Diarrhea
Explanation: Diarrhea is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. Instead, the condition is associated with constipation due to the obstructed passage of stool.
B. Regurgitation of feedings
Explanation: Regurgitation of feedings is not a characteristic sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be seen in other gastrointestinal conditions, but not specifically in this disorder.
C. Projectile vomiting
Explanation: Projectile vomiting is not a typical sign of Hirschsprung's disease. It may be associated with conditions such as pyloric stenosis, but it is not a characteristic feature of Hirschsprung's disease.
D. Foul-smelling ribbon-like stools
Explanation:
Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the rectum and a portion of the colon. The lack of ganglion cells results in functional obstruction, causing stool to accumulate in the affected area. One of the hallmark signs is the presence of foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools, often described as "fecal pellets" or "pellets" due to the obstructed passage of stool.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Coughing spells may be triggered by dust or smoke:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Irritants like dust or smoke can trigger coughing spells in a child recovering from pertussis.
B. We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks.
Correct Answer: Pertussis is highly contagious during the catarrhal and paroxysmal stages, but once the child has reached the convalescent stage (usually after 2-4 weeks of illness), the risk of spreading the infection decreases significantly. Continuing strict droplet precautions and a quiet environment for two weeks after the convalescent stage is not necessary.
C. "We need to encourage our child to drink fluids":
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Encouraging fluid intake is important to prevent dehydration, especially during coughing spells.
D. Vomiting may occur when our child has coughing episodes:
Incorrect: This is a correct statement. Vomiting can be a common occurrence during coughing episodes in pertussis due to the forceful nature of the cough. Parents should be aware of this symptom.
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