Nursing Elites

1. How is the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease confirmed in a 1-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit?

• A. Colonoscopy
• B. Rectal biopsy
• C. Multiple saline enemas
• D. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rectal biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for Hirschsprung disease in infants. It confirms the absence of ganglion cells in the affected bowel segment, which is characteristic of Hirschsprung disease. Colonoscopy (Choice A) is not typically used for confirmation as it may not provide a definitive result. Multiple saline enemas (Choice C) are utilized in the treatment of meconium ileus, a complication of cystic fibrosis, and not in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube (Choice D) is not a diagnostic tool for Hirschsprung disease; it is commonly used for gastrointestinal decompression or feeding purposes but does not confirm the diagnosis.

2. During an assessment, a nurse is examining the skin of a child with cellulitis. What would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Red, raised hair follicles
• B. Warmth at skin disruption site
• C. Papules progressing to vesicles
• D. Honey-colored exudate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Warmth at skin disruption site.' Cellulitis is characterized by localized warmth at the site of skin disruption, which indicates an infection. Choice A, 'Red, raised hair follicles,' is more typical of folliculitis. Choice C, 'Papules progressing to vesicles,' is suggestive of conditions like herpes simplex virus infections. Choice D, 'Honey-colored exudate,' is associated with impetigo, not cellulitis. When assessing cellulitis, nurses should primarily look for warmth, erythema, edema, and tenderness at the affected site.

3. A child has been diagnosed with classic hemophilia. A nurse teaches the child’s parents how to administer the plasma component factor VIII through a venous port. It is to be given 3 times a week. What should the nurse tell them about when to administer this therapy?

• A. Whenever a bleed is suspected
• B. In the morning on scheduled days
• C. At bedtime while the child is lying quietly in bed
• D. On a regular schedule at the parents’ convenience

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering factor VIII in the morning on scheduled days is the correct choice. This timing ensures that the factor VIII levels remain stable throughout the day when the child is active and at risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect because factor VIII should be given on a regular schedule rather than only when a bleed is suspected. Choice C is not ideal as the child may be more active during the day, increasing the risk of bleeding. Choice D is also incorrect as the administration should follow a specific schedule to maintain therapeutic levels of factor VIII in the child's system.

4. The nurse is providing care to a child with a long-leg hip spica cast. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location.
• B. Deficient knowledge related to cast care.
• C. Risk for delayed development related to immobility.
• D. Self-care deficit related to immobility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location. When a child has a long-leg hip spica cast, the priority nursing diagnosis is to prevent impaired skin integrity. This is because the child's mobility is restricted, and pressure from the cast can lead to skin breakdown. Option B is incorrect as while education is essential, it is not the priority when skin integrity is at risk. Option C is incorrect because while immobility can impact development, immediate skin integrity concerns take precedence. Option D is incorrect as self-care deficit, while important, is secondary to preventing skin breakdown in this scenario.

5. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Maintaining electrolyte balance
• B. Preventing dehydration
• C. Preventing fluid overload
• D. Avoiding cardiac overload

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In infants, monitoring IV flow rates is essential to prevent fluid overload, not cardiac overload. Excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. It is crucial to maintain a balance between providing adequate hydration and avoiding fluid overload to prevent adverse outcomes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern is to prevent complications related to excess fluid rather than focusing on electrolyte balance, dehydration prevention, or avoiding cardiac overload.

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