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. The parents of a 6-month-old infant are concerned about the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). What should the nurse recommend to reduce the risk?

• A. Place the infant on their back to sleep
• B. Use a pacifier during sleep
• C. Have the infant sleep on their side
• D. Keep the infant's room cool

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct recommendation to reduce the risk of SIDS in infants is to place them on their back to sleep. This sleeping position helps prevent the occurrence of SIDS by maintaining an open airway and reducing the risk of suffocation. Using a pacifier during sleep has also shown some protective effect against SIDS, but it is not as effective as placing the infant on their back. Having the infant sleep on their side is not recommended as it can increase the risk of accidental suffocation. Keeping the infant's room cool does not directly reduce the risk of SIDS.

3. When picked up by a parent or the nurse, an 8-month-old infant screams and seems to be in pain. After observing this behavior, what should the nurse discuss with the parent?

• A. Accidents and the importance of preventing them
• B. Limiting the infant's playtime with other children in the family
• C. Any other behaviors that the parent may have noticed
• D. Nutrition and specific vitamins recommended for infants

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Discussing any other observed behaviors with the parent is important to identify patterns or potential issues that could be affecting the infant's well-being. By exploring additional behaviors, the nurse can gather more information to assess the infant comprehensively. This approach allows for a more holistic understanding of the infant's health status, rather than focusing solely on the observed behavior of screaming and apparent pain. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the need to explore other behaviors that may provide insights into the infant's condition and well-being.

4. When developing the plan of care for a child with cerebral palsy, which treatment would the nurse expect as least likely?

• A. Skeletal traction
• B. Physical therapy
• C. Orthotics
• D. Occupational therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a child with cerebral palsy, skeletal traction is the least likely treatment intervention. Cerebral palsy primarily involves motor function impairments, and skeletal traction is not a typical intervention for this condition. Physical therapy is commonly used to improve movement and function, orthotics help with posture and mobility, and occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living. These interventions are more aligned with the needs of a child with cerebral palsy compared to skeletal traction, making it the least likely treatment option.

5. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering a bronchodilator
• B. Administering an antihistamine
• C. Administering a corticosteroid
• D. Administering oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways quickly, providing immediate relief by opening up the narrowed air passages in asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations and may not address the underlying bronchoconstriction. Corticosteroids are important for long-term control of asthma but may take longer to have an effect compared to bronchodilators. Administering oxygen is essential for hypoxemia in asthma exacerbations, but the priority is to relieve bronchoconstriction promptly with a bronchodilator.

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