A child who has cystic fibrosis is admitted to the pediatric unit ...

[Jipu 123]

A child who has cystic fibrosis is admitted to the pediatric unit with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The nurse recognizes that in addition to a private room, the child is placed on what precautions?
 
  a. Droplet
  b. Contact
  c. Airborne
  d. Standard

Question 2

A critically ill child has hyperthermia. The parents ask the nurse to give an antipyretic such as acetaminophen. How should the nurse respond to the parents?
 
  a. Febrile seizures can result.
  b. Antipyretics may cause malignant hyperthermia.
  c. Antipyretics are of no value in treating hyperthermia.
  d. Liver damage may occur in critically ill children.

[honnalora]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
MRSA is an increasingly significant source of hospital-acquired infections. This organism meets the criteria of being epidemiologically important and can be transmitted by direct contact. Gowns and gloves should be worn when exposed to potentially contagious materials, and meticulous hand washing is required. S. aureus is not an organism that is spread through airborne or droplet mechanisms. Additional precautions, beyond Standard Precautions, are needed to prevent spread of this organism.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Unlike with fever, antipyretics are of no value in hyperthermia because the set point is already normal. Cooling measures are used instead. Antipyretics do not cause seizures. Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic myopathy that is triggered by anesthetic agents. Antipyretic agents do not have this effect. Acetaminophen can result in liver damage if too much is given or if the liver is already compromised. Other antipyretics are available, but they are of no value in hyperthermia.