Question 1

The nurse encourages the mother of a toddler with acute laryngotracheobronchitis to stay at the bedside as much as possible. What is the primary rationale for this action?

Accepted Answer

A)  Mothers of hospitalized toddlers often experience guilt. 
B)  The mother's presence will reduce anxiety and ease the child's respiratory efforts. 
C)  Separation from the mother is a major developmental threat at this age. 
D)  The mother can provide constant observations of the child's respiratory efforts.

Question 2

What interventions can the nurse teach parents to do to ease respiratory efforts for a child with a mild respiratory tract infection? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  Cool mist 
B)  Warm mist 
C)  Steam vaporizer 
D)  Keep child in a flat, quiet position 
E)  Run a shower of hot water to produce steam

Question 3

What consideration is most important in managing tuberculosis (TB) in children?

Accepted Answer

A)  Skin testing 
B)  Chemotherapy 
C)  Adequate rest 
D)  Adequate hydration

Question 4

A child with asthma is having pulmonary function tests. What rationale explains the purpose of the peak expiratory flow rate?

Accepted Answer

A)  To assess severity of asthma 
B)  To determine cause of asthma 
C)  To identify "triggers" of asthma 
D)  To confirm diagnosis of asthma

Question 5

The nurse is interpreting a tuberculin skin test. If the nurse finds a result of an induration 5 mm or larger, in which child should the nurse document this finding as positive? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)  A child with diabetes mellitus 
B)  A child younger than 4 years of age 
C)  A child receiving immunosuppressive therapy 
D)  A child with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection 
E)  A child living in close contact with a known contagious case of tuberculosis

Question 6

Children who are taking long-term inhaled steroids should be assessed frequently for what potential complication?

Accepted Answer

A)  Cough 
B)  Osteoporosis 
C)  Slowed growth 
D)  Cushing syndrome

Question 7

A family requires home care teaching with regard to preventative measures to use at home to avoid an asthmatic episode. What strategy should the nurse teach?

Accepted Answer

A)  Use a humidifier in the child's room. 
B)  Launder bedding daily in cold water. 
C)  Replace wood flooring with carpet. 
D)  Use an indoor air purifier with HEPA filter.

Question 8

A 4-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department. She has a "froglike" croaking sound on inspiration, is agitated, and is drooling. She insists on sitting upright. The nurse should intervene in which manner?

Accepted Answer

A)  Make her lie down and rest quietly. 
B)  Examine her oral pharynx and report to the physician. 
C)  Auscultate her lungs and prepare for placement in a mist tent. 
D)  Notify the physician immediately and be prepared to assist with a tracheostomy or intubation.

Question 9

What statement best represents infectious mononucleosis?

Accepted Answer

A)  Herpes simplex type 2 is the principal cause. 
B)  A complete blood count shows a characteristic leukopenia. 
C)  A short course of ampicillin is used when pharyngitis is present. 
D)  Clinical signs and symptoms and blood tests are both needed to establish the diagnosis.

Question 10

The parent of a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) calls the clinic nurse to report that the child has developed tachypnea, tachycardia, dyspnea, pallor, and cyanosis. The nurse should tell the parent to bring the child to the clinic because these signs and symptoms are suggestive of what condition?

Accepted Answer

A)  Pneumothorax 
B)  Bronchodilation 
C)  Carbon dioxide retention 
D)  Increased viscosity of sputum

Question 11

What do the initial signs of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in an infant include?

Accepted Answer

A)  Rhinorrhea, wheezing, and fever 
B)  Tachypnea, cyanosis, and apnea 
C)  Retractions, fever, and listlessness 
D)  Poor breath sounds and air hunger

Question 12

Why are cool-mist vaporizers rather than steam vaporizers recommended in the home treatment of respiratory infections?

Accepted Answer

A)  They are safer. 
B)  They are less expensive. 
C)  Respiratory secretions are dried by steam vaporizers. 
D)  A more comfortable environment is produced.

Exam 28: The Child with Respiratory Dysfunction