Nursing Elites

1. A 14-year-old with chronic renal failure suddenly becomes non-compliant with the medication regimen. Which nursing intervention would most likely improve compliance?

• A. Give the child a computer-animated game that presents information on the management of chronic renal failure.
• B. Set up a meeting with some older teens who have chronic renal failure and have been managing their disease effectively.
• C. Arrange for a physician to sit down and talk to the child about the risks related to noncompliance with medications.
• D. Discuss with the child’s parents that privileges, such as a cell phone, can be taken away if compliance fails to improve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adolescents often seek guidance and support from their peers. Setting up a meeting with older teens who are effectively managing chronic renal failure can provide the 14-year-old with motivation, encouragement, and practical advice on how to handle their treatment regimen. This peer support can positively influence the non-compliant adolescent, making choice B the most likely intervention to improve compliance. Choices A and C may not address the peer influence aspect of adolescent behavior, while choice D focuses on punitive measures rather than addressing the underlying reasons for non-compliance.

2. The nurse is teaching a group of new nursing graduates about identifiable qualities of strong families that help them function effectively. Which quality should be included in the teaching?

• A. Lack of congruence among family members
• B. Clear set of family values, rules, and beliefs
• C. Adoption of one coping strategy that always promotes positive functioning in dealing with life events
• D. Sense of commitment toward growth of individual family members as opposed to that of the family unit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Strong families have a clear set of values, rules, and beliefs that guide their interactions and help them function effectively as a unit.

3. The nurse is taking vital signs on a group of assigned preschool-aged children. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further action?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
• B. Heart rate of 89 beats per minute
• C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is high for a preschool-aged child and may indicate an underlying issue that requires further assessment. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice A) is within the normal range for preschool children. Similarly, a heart rate of 89 beats per minute (choice B) falls within the expected range. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute (choice D) is slightly elevated but may not be as concerning as a heart rate of 120 beats per minute.

4. The nurse is caring for an infant who was born 24 hr ago to a mother who received no prenatal care. The infant is a poor feeder but sucks avidly on his hands. Clinical manifestations also include hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, and a high-pitched shrill cry. What does the nurse consider as a possible diagnosis for this infant?

• A. Seizure disorder
• B. Narcotic withdrawal
• C. Placental insufficiency
• D. Meconium aspiration syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the infant's symptoms are consistent with narcotic withdrawal. Infants exposed to drugs in utero may display withdrawal symptoms starting around 12 to 24 hours post-birth. The presentation often includes hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, high-pitched shrill cry, poor feeding, and sucking avidly on hands. Signs such as loose stools, tachycardia, fever, projectile vomiting, sneezing, and generalized sweating are common. These symptoms are not indicative of a seizure disorder. Placental insufficiency typically leads to a small-for-gestational-age child, which is not mentioned in the scenario. Meconium aspiration syndrome primarily presents with respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in this case.

5. An infant is born with anencephaly. Based on the knowledge of this diagnosis, what information does the nurse consider when interacting with the family?

• A. Many treatment options exist.
• B. Immediate surgery is necessary.
• C. The condition is incompatible with life.
• D. The child will have permanent disabilities.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The condition is incompatible with life.' Anencephaly is the most serious neural tube defect where both hemispheres of the brain are absent. It is incompatible with life, as there are no medical or surgical treatment options available. While some infants with mature brain stem function can maintain vital functions for a short period, anencephaly is ultimately not survivable. Choice A is incorrect as there are no treatment options for anencephaly. Choice B is incorrect as immediate surgery is not necessary for this condition. Choice D is incorrect as an infant with anencephaly will not have permanent disabilities since the condition is not compatible with life.

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