ATI RN
Nursing Care of Children ATI
1. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?
- A. Repression
- B. Regression
- C. Rationalization
- D. Fantasy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.
2. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?
- A. Hemoglobin
- B. Red blood cell count
- C. Platelets
- D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.
3. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider if a child presents with suspected meningitis?
- A. Administer antibiotics immediately
- B. Perform a lumbar puncture
- C. Isolate the child
- D. Obtain a complete blood count
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.
4. According to Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the school-age child is in which stage?
- A. Industry vs. inferiority
- B. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
- C. Identity vs. role diffusion
- D. Trust vs. mistrust
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Industry vs. inferiority.' According to Erikson’s theory, school-age children (approximately 6-12 years old) are in the stage of industry vs. inferiority. In this stage, children focus on developing a sense of competence and productivity. Choice B, 'Autonomy vs. shame and doubt,' is incorrect as it refers to the stage that occurs during early childhood (1-3 years old). Choice C, 'Identity vs. role diffusion,' pertains to adolescence (12-18 years old). Choice D, 'Trust vs. mistrust,' is related to the stage of infancy (0-1 year old). Therefore, option A is the most appropriate stage for school-age children in Erikson's theory.
5. The nurse is reviewing the Healthy People 2020 leading health indicators for a child health promotion program. Which are included in the leading health indicators? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Decrease tobacco use
- B. Improve immunization rates
- C. All are applicable
- D. Increase access to health care
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Healthy People 2020 focuses on decreasing tobacco use, improving immunization rates, and increasing access to healthcare among its leading health indicators.