Nursing Elites

1. A 12-year-old child had an appendectomy 18 hours ago. The nurse is monitoring the child for pain control. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for assessing the child’s pain?

• A. FLACC scale
• B. Numeric scale
• C. NIPS scale
• D. FACES scale

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Numeric scale is the most appropriate tool for assessing pain in older children, like a 12-year-old, as they can comprehend and use numbers to indicate their pain levels accurately. The FLACC scale is typically used for nonverbal or preverbal children. The NIPS scale is designed for neonates and infants. The FACES scale is more commonly used in younger children who may have difficulty expressing their pain in other ways.

2. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider if a child presents with suspected meningitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics immediately
• B. Perform a lumbar puncture
• C. Isolate the child
• D. Obtain a complete blood count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.

3. A nurse must do a venipuncture on a 6-year-old child. What consideration is important in providing atraumatic care?

• A. Use an 18-gauge needle if possible.
• B. Show the child the equipment to be used before the procedure.
• C. If not successful after four attempts, have another nurse try.
• D. Restrain the child completely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Showing the child the equipment before the procedure helps build trust and reduces fear. Using an 18-gauge needle is too large for a child, and multiple attempts can increase trauma. Restraining completely can increase fear and anxiety.

4. What is the most important intervention in the management of a child with sickle cell crisis?

• A. Administration of iron supplements
• B. Initiation of high-calorie diet
• C. Administration of pain relief
• D. Limiting fluid intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important intervention in managing a child with sickle cell crisis is the administration of pain relief. During a sickle cell crisis, severe pain is a prominent symptom due to vaso-occlusive episodes. Effective pain management, along with adequate hydration and oxygen therapy, is crucial in treating a sickle cell crisis and preventing further complications. Choice A, the administration of iron supplements, is not the priority during a sickle cell crisis. Iron supplements are typically used to manage anemia in individuals with sickle cell disease but are not the primary intervention during a crisis. Choice B, the initiation of a high-calorie diet, is not the most critical intervention during a sickle cell crisis. While proper nutrition is important in managing sickle cell disease, it is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Hydration is essential in managing sickle cell crisis to prevent complications like dehydration and further vaso-occlusive episodes.

5. An infant requires surgery for repair of a cleft lip. An important priority of the preoperative nursing care is which?

• A. Initiating discharge teaching
• B. Performing baseline physical and behavioral assessment
• C. Observing for allergic reactions to preoperative antibiotics
• D. Determining whether this defect exists in other family members

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a baseline physical and behavioral assessment is crucial to determine the infant's current health status and to identify any potential risks before surgery.

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