The Nurse Has Just Started Assessing a Young Child Who

question 22

Multiple Choice

The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears ill.There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion.Which is the most appropriate action?

• A) Ask the parent when the neck was injured.
• B) Refer for immediate medical evaluation.
• C) Continue assessment to determine the cause of the neck pain.
• D) Record "head lag" on the assessment record and continue the assessment of the child.

---

Definitions:

Pessimistic

A predisposition towards viewing things negatively or expecting the worst outcome, accompanied by a dearth of optimism or faith in what is to come.

Immune System Functioning

The complex processes by which the body's immune cells and substances protect against disease-causing pathogens and unhealthy cells.

Cognitive Functioning

The range of mental abilities including the capacity to learn, remember, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, and use language.

Pessimistic People

Individuals who tend to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a tendency to be gloomy and expect negative outcomes.