Question 1

Which of the following is the primary function of the respiratory system?

Accepted Answer

The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate gas exchange between the external environment and an organism's circulatory system, involving the intake of oxygen and release of carbon dioxide.

Question 2

Which of the following factors are age-related physical differences in infants that most increase this population's risks for developing a respiratory system dysfunction?

Accepted Answer

Infants have small airways and fewer alveoli, which can increase their risk for respiratory dysfunction as these factors limit airflow and gas exchange.

Question 3

During which of the following age periods does a child have the most limited alveolar surface for gas exchange in relation to height and weight?

Accepted Answer

During infancy, a child has the most limited alveolar surface area for gas exchange in relation to their height and weight. This is because alveoli continue to develop and increase in number significantly after birth, reaching adult levels by about 8 years of age.

Question 4

When an infant is in respiratory distress and having retractions, what causes the retractions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When an infant is in respiratory distress...

Question 5

Compared to that of an adult, which of the following percentages represents a child's oxygen consumption?

Accepted Answer

Children have a higher metabolic rate and therefore consume more oxygen relative to their body size compared to adults. This results in a percentage that is effectively double, or 200%, of an adult's oxygen consumption when adjusted for body size.

Question 6

When a premature newborn is showing signs of developing respiratory distress syndrome or bronchopulmonary dysplasia, which of the following treatments is most likely given to reduce the chance of the infant having these problems?

Accepted Answer

Exogenous surfactant therapy is used to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants by reducing the surface tension in the lungs, thus improving lung function and reducing the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Question 7

Which of the following respiratory alterations is the same as nasopharyngitis?

Accepted Answer

Nasopharyngitis is another term for the common cold, which is a viral infection affecting the nose and throat.

Question 8

What is the major cause of nasopharyngitis?

Accepted Answer

Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold, is primarily caused by viruses.

Question 9

The nurse assessing a child with nasopharyngitis would most likely find the child to have which of the following signs or symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Nasopharyngitis, commonly known as the common cold, typically presents with symptoms such as a stuffy nose, nasal discharge, cough, sore throat, and malaise, without significant changes in the white blood cell count.

Question 10

When the nurse is teaching the parents how to relieve nasal congestion in their infant, the nurse will recommend which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Saline nasal drops are a safe and effective method for relieving nasal congestion in infants. Over-the-counter cold remedies are generally not recommended for young children due to potential side effects. Camphor products can be harmful and should not be used in or around the nostrils of infants.

Question 11

The pediatric nurse is assessing a child with nasopharyngitis. The parents ask about the possibility of the child getting an antibiotic. Which of the following is the nurse's best answer?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are not effective against nasopharyngitis because it is typically caused by a viral infection, and antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections.

Question 12

The nurse will teach parents of a young infant who has nasopharyngitis to modify the feedings. Which modification would be most important and helpful?

Accepted Answer

Feeding an infant with nasopharyngitis requires a gentle and patient approach, allowing for frequent rest periods during feedings. This helps because the infant may have difficulty breathing through the nose, making feeding more challenging and tiring. Options A, B, and D do not specifically address the immediate feeding issue related to nasal congestion and potential difficulty in breathing while feeding.

Question 13

Which of the following makes children prone to tonsillitis and pharyngitis?

Accepted Answer

Frequent upper respiratory tract infections and close contact with other potentially infected children increase the risk of tonsillitis and pharyngitis, as these conditions are often caused by viruses and bacteria that are easily spread in such environments.

Question 14

The school nurse encourages the parents of a student who has a severe sore throat to take the child to the pediatrician. The nurse is especially concerned about the possibility of streptococcal tonsillitis mainly because of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Streptococcal tonsillitis, if not treated properly, can lead to serious complications such as scarlet fever, otitis media (ear infections), and other more severe health issues, which is why the nurse would be particularly concerned.

Question 15

The mother of a 2-1/2-year old child who has had tonsillitis asks about the possibility of a tonsillectomy for the child. The nurse informs the mother that tonsillectomies are usually performed when the child is over 3 years old. The mother wants to know why children younger than 3 have to wait for a tonsillectomy. Which of the following is the nurse's best answer?

Accepted Answer

Younger children are more prone to complications such as excessive blood loss and the potential for the tonsils to regrow, which is why surgeries like tonsillectomies are often recommended for children over the age of 3.

Question 16

The nurse explains to parents why an adenoidectomy is sometimes indicated with the tonsillectomy. Which of the following is the nurse's best explanation?

Accepted Answer

An adenoidectomy is indicated when enlarged adenoids obstruct airflow through the nasal passages, causing breathing difficulties.

Question 17

Which of the following positions does the nurse use for the child who has just returned to the room from a tonsillectomy?

Accepted Answer

Positioning a child on the abdomen or side after a tonsillectomy helps to facilitate drainage and prevent aspiration of blood or secretions.

Question 18

A child who is in the first postoperative day after a tonsillectomy starts to cough and wants to blow his nose. Which of the following actions by the nurse would be best?

Accepted Answer

Coughing or blowing the nose after a tonsillectomy can increase the risk of bleeding by dislodging the blood clot at the surgical site. Therefore, reminding the child not to cough or blow his nose is the best action to prevent postoperative complications.

Question 19

The nurse is assigned to care for a child who had a tonsillectomy yesterday. The child complains of a sore throat and wants something cool. Which of the following cool drinks or foods would be acceptable to offer the child?

Accepted Answer

Lime sherbet is acceptable because it is cool and non-irritating. Tomato juice and cherry-flavored gelatin are red and could be mistaken for blood if the child vomits. Cold cola is carbonated and could irritate the throat.

Question 20

Which of the following signs or symptoms is the earliest manifestation of bleeding in a child who has had a tonsillectomy?

Accepted Answer

Frequent swallowing is often the earliest sign of bleeding post-tonsillectomy, as the child may be swallowing blood that is trickling down the back of the throat.

Quiz 24: Respiratory Alterations