A 3-year-old child with a high fever and sore throat is brought to the clinic. The nurse observes that the child is drooling and has difficulty swallowing. What is the nurse’s priority action?

A. Administer antipyretic medication

B. Prepare for emergency airway management

C. Offer the child ice chips to suck on

D. Assess the child’s hydration status

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a 3-year-old child with drooling, difficulty swallowing, high fever, and sore throat, the nurse should prioritize preparing for emergency airway management. These signs may indicate epiglottitis, a condition that can quickly obstruct the airway, leading to respiratory distress and potentially fatal outcomes if not managed promptly. Administering antipyretic medication (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the priority. Offering ice chips (Choice C) is contraindicated as the child has difficulty swallowing. Assessing hydration status (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the airway is at risk.

The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin to a 4-year-old child with heart failure. The healthcare provider notes that the child’s heart rate is 70 beats per minute. What should the healthcare provider do next?

• A. Administer the medication as prescribed
• B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Recheck the heart rate in 30 minutes
• D. Administer half of the prescribed dose

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric patients, digoxin administration is guided by the heart rate. If the child's heart rate is below the established threshold, which is typically 90-100 beats per minute in a 4-year-old, the medication should be withheld, and the healthcare provider should be notified for further evaluation and instructions. Choice A is incorrect because administering the medication when the heart rate is low can lead to adverse effects. Rechecking the heart rate in 30 minutes (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention if the heart rate remains low. Administering half of the prescribed dose (Choice D) is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance.

The parents of a 2-year-old child with a history of febrile seizures are being taught by the healthcare provider. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We should give our child acetaminophen when they have a fever.
• B. We should not place our child in a cool bath during a seizure.
• C. We should call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.
• D. We should try to keep our child’s fever under control.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Placing a child in a cool bath during a seizure is not recommended as it can be dangerous and may lead to accidental drowning or injuries. The priority during a febrile seizure is to ensure the safety of the child by placing them on a soft surface, removing any nearby objects that may cause harm, and gently turning their head to the side to prevent aspiration. Cooling measures like removing excess clothing can be employed, but immersing the child in a cool bath is not advised. Calling 911 if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes is important to seek immediate medical assistance. Administering acetaminophen to reduce fever and trying to keep the child's fever under control are appropriate interventions which should be continued.

Which drink choice on a hot day indicates that a teenager with sickle cell anemia understands dietary considerations related to the disease?

• A. Milkshake
• B. Iced tea
• C. Diet cola
• D. Lemonade

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lemonade is the correct choice for a teenager with sickle cell anemia as it provides hydration without caffeine, which is important for individuals with this condition. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, vasoconstriction, and potentially worsen symptoms in sickle cell anemia patients. Milkshake (choice A) may contain dairy, which can be high in fat and may not be the best choice for someone with sickle cell anemia. Iced tea (choice B) and diet cola (choice C) both contain caffeine, which should be avoided by individuals with sickle cell anemia due to its dehydrating effects.

An adolescent's mother calls the primary HCP's office to inquire about the results of her daughter's serum test that was drawn last week. Since it is the teenager's 18th birthday, how should the nurse respond to this mother's inquiry?

• A. Ask when the adolescent was last seen at the clinic
• B. Tell the mother to have the teenager call the clinic
• C. Provide the mother with the findings
• D. Explain that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct response is to explain to the mother that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission. When an individual turns 18, they are legally considered an adult, and privacy laws mandate that their consent is required before sharing their medical information with others. It is crucial to respect the adolescent's autonomy and privacy rights. Choices A and C are incorrect because they involve disclosing the information without the individual's consent. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the legal requirement for the adolescent's permission before sharing medical information.