A child has been seen in the clinic and diagnosed with ...

[Chloeellawright]

A child has been seen in the clinic and diagnosed with bronchitis. The next day, the mother calls the clinic to ask about using cough medicine to decrease the child's cough. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Children should never use cough medicine for bronchitis.
  B.
  If she can't sleep due to a cough, a dose would be okay at night.
  C.
  It would be alright to use, but watch her for hyperactivity.
  D.
  Yes, give her over-the-counter cough medicine every 4 hours.

Question 2

Four children are in the pediatric clinic waiting to be seen. Which patient should the nurse see first?
 
  A.
  Afebrile, parent reports harsh barky cough
  B.
  Pulling on ear, temperature 103 F (39.5 C)
  C.
  Salty-tasting sweat, poor weight gain
  D.
  Wheezing, retracting, no wet diapers today

[cpetit11]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Cough medication is used with caution in children with bronchitis in order to facilitate secretion removal. However, if the child cannot sleep due to coughing, a dose at night would be appropriate. Many cough medications contain alcohol, which could lead to sleepiness.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
This child not only has a respiratory problem, he or she is also dehydrated and is the sickest of the four. The nurse should see this patient first. The child with the barky cough is afebrile and has no signs of respiratory distress. Pulling on the ear indicates an ear infection, and these children often run high fevers. The child with salty-tasting sweat and poor weight gain is demonstrating a chronic condition, most likely cystic fibrosis.

[Chloeellawright]

TYSM

[amcvicar]

Excellent