When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, which symptom should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse?
Fever 101.0° F (38.3° C)
Difficulty swallowing secretions.
Barking cough, worse at night.
Cries often when nursing.
The Correct Answer is B
When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, the symptom that should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse is B.
Explanation:
A. A fever of 101.0°F (38.3°C) is a common symptom in many childhood illnesses, including croup, but it is not the primary concern when difficulty swallowing secretions is present.
B Difficulty swallowing secretions.
Croup is characterized by a barking cough and may also be associated with stridor (noisy breathing), hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing secretions. While all the symptoms mentioned can be concerning, difficulty swallowing secretions is a priority concern because it can potentially lead to respiratory distress if not managed appropriately. Thick secretions can cause airway obstruction, and prompt assessment and intervention are needed to ensure the child's airway remains clear and that the child is able to breathe effectively.
C. A barking cough, worse at night, is a classic symptom of croup and should be addressed, but difficulty swallowing secretions can have a more direct impact on the child's airway.
D. Crying often when nursing may be related to the discomfort caused by croup, but it is not as immediately concerning as difficulty swallowing secretions.
While the barking cough, hoarseness, and other croup symptoms should also be addressed, the priority is ensuring that the child is able to manage secretions effectively without respiratory distress. The telephone triage nurse should provide guidance to the mother on how to help the child manage these secretions and when to seek medical attention if the situation worsens.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Documenting the client's relief of pain is important for the medical record but is not the first priority in this situation. The immediate concern is to determine the cause of the sudden pain relief and ensure the child's well-being.
B. Inquiring about the client's last meal is important for pre-operative considerations, but it is not the first action to take when sudden relief of abdominal pain is reported.
C. Giving prescribed intravenous antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan, but it should not be the first action when the child experiences sudden relief of abdominal pain. Contacting the healthcare provider to assess the situation is more urgent.
D Contact the healthcare provider.
In the case of a child diagnosed with appendicitis, sudden relief in abdominal pain can be concerning. This might indicate that the appendix has ruptured, leading to the spread of infection into the abdominal cavity, which can be a critical situation. It's essential for the healthcare provider to be informed immediately so they can assess the child's condition, order any necessary interventions, and potentially expedite the surgical procedure if required.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Using 1-word sentences is more characteristic of a child's speech development at around 12-18 months, and by age 3, children are expected to use more words in their sentences.
B. Speaks in simple sentences with four or more words.
At the age of 3, children typically progress in their speech and language development. Speaking in simple sentences with four or more words is considered a normal developmental milestone at this age. It reflects the child's growing ability to form more complex and coherent sentences.
C. Recognizing most letters and numbers is not typically a developmental milestone for a 3-year-old. This skill often develops later, closer to the preschool and kindergarten years.
D. Using gestures with 1 to 2-word sentences may be seen in younger children, but by age 3, children should be progressing to longer and more complex sentences as part of their language development.
It's important to remember that there can be some individual variation in language development, but by the age of 3, children are generally expected to speak in simple sentences with more words and demonstrate growing language skills.
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