Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
42. The mother of a school-age child who is isolated at home with chickenpox (varicella) informs a school nurse that, "My child is miserable from the itching. What can I do?" The school nurse's best response would be to suggest:
. Giving diphenhydramine hydrochloride.
. Keeping the child cool.
. Changing the linens daily.
. Keeping the child's fingernails short and clean.
Test-Taking Tip
Choose the direct, most immediate suggestion (Benadryl) rather than the indirect, supportive suggestions (focusing on linens and fingernails). Note that the mother's concern is reducing itching.
Content Area: Child Health, Integumentary; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Illness Management
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
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Answer 1 is correct because diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl) is a nonprescription antihistamine that will safely and effectively reduce the child's itching for up to 4 to 6 hours following a dose of the medication. Answer 2 is incorrect because, while keeping the child cool will assist in reducing the child's itching, it is not as effective as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl). Answer 3 is incorrect because, while changing the linens daily will assist in reducing the child's itching, it is not as effective as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl). Answer 4 is incorrect because, while keeping the child's fingernails short and clean will assist in reducing the child's itching, it is not as effective as diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl).