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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Evaluating the infant for failure to thrive (FTT) is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this case. FTT is a long-term growth issue, and the immediate concern is the infant's current symptoms and cardiac status.

B. Auscultate heart and lungs while the infant is held.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a congenital heart defect that includes four specific cardiac abnormalities, and it often requires surgical correction in infancy. When an infant with a history of TOF surgery presents with symptoms such as rapid breathing, feeding difficulties, and fatigue, it may raise concerns about potential cardiac issues or complications.

The most appropriate initial intervention is to auscultate the infant's heart and lungs while the infant is held to assess for any abnormal heart sounds or signs of respiratory distress. Auscultation can provide important information about the infant's cardiac and respiratory status. This assessment will help determine if there are any immediate concerns related to the infant's cardiac condition.

C. Stimulating the infant to cry to produce cyanosis is not a recommended or appropriate intervention. Cyanosis is a sign of inadequate oxygenation and should not be induced in a child.

D. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram may be indicated if there are significant concerns about the infant's cardiac status, but auscultation should be performed first to assess the immediate condition. An electrocardiogram is a diagnostic tool and would be ordered as a follow-up assessment if needed.

A. Advise the mother that over-use of the drug may cause chronic bronchitis. B. Assure the mother that she is using the medication correctly. C. Recommend that the mother bring the child in for immediate evaluation. D. Confirm that the medication helps to reduce airway inflammation.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Advising the mother that overuse of albuterol may cause chronic bronchitis is not accurate. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition primarily related to smoking or other irritants and is not typically associated with the appropriate use of albuterol as a bronchodilator.

B. Assuring the mother that she is using the medication correctly is not the best response, as it does not address the need for asthma management and education on the proper use of medications and when to seek medical attention.

C. Recommending that the mother bring the child in for immediate evaluation is not necessary if the child's asthma symptoms are being effectively managed with albuterol. However, the child should have an asthma action plan and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider for asthma management.

D Confirm that the medication helps to reduce airway inflammation.

Albuterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator commonly used in the treatment of asthma. It helps to open the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles in the bronchi, making it easier for the child to breathe during an asthma attack. Albuterol does not treat airway inflammation, but it is used to provide quick relief from bronchoconstriction.

The primary role of albuterol is to provide quick relief from acute bronchoconstriction during an asthma attack. It is not a medication for reducing airway inflammation, but it can be used in conjunction with other asthma medications that address inflammation, as prescribed by a healthcare provider. The nurse should educate the mother on the appropriate use of albuterol and the importance of asthma management under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, which symptom should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A 6-year-old boy with bronchial asthma takes the beta-adrenergic agonist agent albuterol. The child's mother tells the nurse that she uses this medication to open her son's airway when he is having trouble breathing. What is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An infant born 2 days ago has not passed a meconium stool and begins to vomit bilious secretions. Which action should the nurse take first?

The mother of an 11-year-old boy who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis tells the nurse, "I really don't want my son to become dependent on pain medication, so I only allow him to take it when he is really hurting." Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this mother?

The nurse is teaching the parents about important dietary changes for their child who is newly diagnosed with celiac disease. Which foods should the nurse include in the list of allowed foods for this child?

When advising a new mother in caring for a child with croup, which symptom should be a priority concern to the telephone triage nurse?

The nurse begins collecting the medical history of a child when the child screams and tries to hide behind the parent, dropping a stuffed toy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

The nurse is assessing a child with acute glomerulonephritis who presents to the clinic with increased fatigue, facial puffiness, decreased appetite. The child's urine sample is dark yellow in color. Which additional finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?