Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

What should the nurse plan for a newly admitted 10-year-old child with neutropenia?

1. Provide the child with a book about adventure.

2. Arrange frequent visits from family members and peers.

3. Give the child a large-piece puzzle.

4. Use puppets to entertain the child.

The correct answer is: Provide the child with a book about adventure.

Planning care for a newly admitted 10-year-old child with neutropenia requires consideration of the child's health status and the need to minimize the risk of infection. In this context, providing the child with a book about adventure is a prudent choice. Books, particularly those set in adventurous worlds, can be both engaging and safe, allowing the child to escape into a different environment without the risks associated with physical play or close contact with others. Engaging with a book also supports cognitive development and offers an opportunity for the child to express their imagination, facilitating emotional well-being during a time when they might feel isolated due to their condition. Additionally, reading can be a solitary activity, which is essential given the child’s neutropenia, as it minimizes exposure to potential infections that could arise from close interactions or crowded spaces. The other options might expose the child to increased risk or exposure to others, which should be avoided. For example, arranging frequent visits from family members and peers could lead to increased exposure to pathogens. Activities like large-piece puzzles and puppets might also require more interaction than is advisable in a neutropenic state, where maintaining a limit on exposure is crucial for the child’s safety and health.