Which reaction is usually exhibited first by the family of an infant who has died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
Queries regarding the etiology of the diagnosis.
Acceptance of the diagnosis.
Feelings of blame or guilt.
Requests for the infant's belongings.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While queries regarding etiology eventually arise, the immediate emotional response of parents to the sudden and unexpected death of an infant from SIDS is often profound shock and a strong sense of personal culpability. The search for a "reason why" typically follows the initial surge of intense emotional distress and self-blame.
Choice B rationale
Acceptance is a much later stage in the grief process and is rarely the initial reaction to a traumatic loss like SIDS. The suddenness and unexplained nature of SIDS often lead to prolonged denial, disbelief, and a struggle to comprehend the event before any form of acceptance can begin to manifest.
Choice C rationale
Feelings of blame or guilt are almost universally the initial and most intense reactions experienced by parents following an infant's death from SIDS. The unexplained nature of the death often leads parents to scrutinize their actions, believing they somehow failed to protect their child, even when no identifiable cause is found.
Choice D rationale
Requests for an infant's belongings may occur at various points during the grieving process, representing a desire to hold onto memories or tangible connections. However, this is not typically the very first reaction, which is dominated by overwhelming emotional shock, grief, and often profound self-blame and guilt.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A peak flow meter measures the maximum speed of exhalation, providing information about airflow obstruction and lung function. While useful for monitoring asthma control, it does not address the patient's difficulty coordinating MDI activation with breathing. It's a diagnostic tool, not a coordination aid.
Choice B rationale
A spacer device is a valved holding chamber that attaches to the MDI. It simplifies inhalation by holding the aerosolized medication, allowing the patient to inhale it slowly and deeply without requiring precise coordination between activation and inspiration. This significantly improves drug delivery to the lungs.
Choice C rationale
Notifying the prescriber that the patient is unable to use the MDI without suggesting solutions is premature. The nurse should first attempt an intervention to resolve the coordination issue, such as suggesting a spacer, as this is a common problem with a well-established solution.
Choice D rationale
While some respiratory medications can be given orally, switching the route of administration should not be the initial intervention for MDI coordination issues. Oral administration can have different pharmacokinetic profiles, systemic side effects, and may not provide the same targeted drug delivery to the airways as inhaled therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., histamine, leukotrienes) from mast cells. Its mechanism of action is prophylactic, meaning it prevents the cellular cascade leading to bronchospasm when administered before exposure to a trigger, such as exercise. It has no bronchodilatory effect.
Choice B rationale
Administering cromolyn at the initial onset of an attack is ineffective because it does not have acute bronchodilatory properties. Once the inflammatory cascade is initiated and bronchoconstriction has begun, cromolyn cannot reverse the symptoms. Rescue inhalers like albuterol are needed for acute symptom relief.
Choice C rationale
Cromolyn is a prophylactic medication and does not provide symptomatic relief during an acute asthma attack. Its role is to stabilize mast cells to prevent the release of inflammatory mediators that cause bronchoconstriction and inflammation. Therefore, it is not used to alleviate symptoms once an attack is in progress.
Choice D rationale
While cromolyn can be prescribed for regular daily use, the specific instruction for exercise-induced asthma is to take it before exercise. Taking it as often as 4 times a day without considering the timing relative to triggers may not be optimal for preventing exercise-induced symptoms, as its effect is primarily preventive.
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