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. A child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child has coarctation of the aorta, the nurse would expect to identify a weak radial pulse when taking the child's vital signs. Coarctation of the aorta results in a narrowing of the aorta, leading to reduced blood flow and a weakened pulse. An irregular heartbeat (Choice B) is less likely to be associated with coarctation of the aorta. Similarly, a bounding femoral pulse (Choice C) is not typically observed with this condition. An elevated radial blood pressure (Choice D) is less common as coarctation of the aorta usually causes decreased blood pressure in the lower extremities due to the aortic narrowing.

3. A child undergoes heart surgery to repair the defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot. What behavior is essential for the nurse to prevent postoperatively?

• A. Crying
• B. Coughing
• C. Straining at stool
• D. Unnecessary movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct behavior that the nurse needs to prevent postoperatively is straining at stool. Straining at stool should be avoided as it can increase intrathoracic pressure, leading to stress on the surgical site. This stress can potentially compromise the surgical repair and increase the risk of complications. Crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement, although important to monitor postoperatively, do not directly impact the surgical site as significantly as straining at stool does. Therefore, the focus should be on preventing straining at stool to ensure the best postoperative outcome for the child.

4. What are the most common signs and symptoms of leukemia related to bone marrow involvement?

• A. petechiae, infection, fatigue
• B. headache, papilledema, irritability
• C. muscle wasting, weight loss, fatigue
• D. decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Petechiae, infection, and fatigue are common signs and symptoms of leukemia related to bone marrow involvement. Petechiae are small red or purple spots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin due to low platelet counts. Infection susceptibility increases due to decreased white blood cells from compromised bone marrow function. Fatigue is a common symptom of anemia resulting from decreased red blood cell production. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical signs and symptoms of leukemia associated with bone marrow dysfunction.

5. An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?

• A. Plastic deformity.
• B. Buckle fracture.
• C. Spiral fracture.
• D. Greenstick fracture.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A spiral fracture is characterized by a twisting injury, often indicating child abuse due to the mechanism involved. This type of fracture is commonly seen in non-accidental trauma cases. Plastic deformity is not typically seen on radiographs but refers to a change in the shape of a bone without breaking. Buckle fractures are incomplete fractures commonly seen in children due to their softer bones. Greenstick fractures are also incomplete fractures, but they do not typically raise suspicion of child abuse as spiral fractures do.

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