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 healthcare provider is admitting a child with a Wilms tumor. Which is the initial assessment finding associated with this tumor?

• A. abdominal swelling
• B. weight gain
• C. hypotension
• D. increased urinary output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abdominal swelling is a classic presentation and often the first noticeable sign of a Wilms tumor. This occurs due to the tumor mass in the kidney, leading to abdominal distension. Weight gain (Choice B) is less likely as a presenting symptom compared to abdominal swelling. Hypotension (Choice C) is not typically associated with a Wilms tumor unless complications like bleeding or shock occur. Increased urinary output (Choice D) is not a typical finding for Wilms tumor; instead, patients may present with hematuria or urinary symptoms.

3. What should be included in the teaching plan for parents of an infant diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

• A. Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.
• B. Testing for PKU is done immediately after birth.
• C. Treatment for PKU includes lifelong dietary management.
• D. PKU is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.' Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that results in the inability to metabolize phenylalanine properly. Without proper dietary management, high levels of phenylalanine can lead to severe mental retardation and other neurological problems. Therefore, educating parents about the importance of early and consistent treatment to prevent mental retardation is crucial. Choice B is incorrect because testing for PKU is typically done shortly after birth, not immediately. Choice C is incorrect because treatment for PKU primarily involves strict dietary management to control phenylalanine intake, not lifelong medications. Choice D is incorrect because PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, not as an autosomal dominant gene.

4. A 10-year-old girl is living with a foster family. Which intervention is the priority for the child in this family structure?

• A. Determining if the child is being bullied at school
• B. Dealing with mixed expectations of parents
• C. Establishing who is the child's actual caretaker
• D. Performing a comprehensive health assessment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing a comprehensive health assessment is crucial for a child living with a foster family as they may have moved between different homes, leading to incomplete medical records. This assessment helps identify any existing health issues, ensure appropriate care, and address any unmet health needs. While addressing issues like bullying or parental expectations is important, the immediate priority should be ensuring the child's overall health and well-being. Establishing the actual caretaker is also important but may not be as urgent as addressing potential health concerns.

5. A parent tells the nurse, “My 9-month-old baby no longer has the same strong grasp that was present at birth and no longer acts startled by loud noises.” How should the nurse explain these changes in behavior?

• A. “I will check these responses before deciding how to proceed.”
• B. “Failure of these responses may be related to a developmental delay.”
• C. “Additional sensory stimulation is needed to aid in the return of these responses.”
• D. “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.” The grasp reflex and startle reflex (Moro reflex) are normal in newborns but typically disappear as the infant's nervous system matures and voluntary control develops. Choice A is incorrect because checking the responses before deciding a course of action does not address the developmental milestone related to the reflexes. Choice B is incorrect as it jumps to a conclusion of developmental delay without considering the normal developmental process. Choice C is incorrect as additional sensory stimulation is not necessary for the return of these reflexes, as they are expected to naturally diminish as part of normal development.

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