Nursing Elites

1. How should a nurse prepare a 15-month-old child diagnosed with hydrocephalus for a computed tomography (CT) scan?

• A. Shaving the child's head
• B. Starting the prescribed IV infusion
• C. Administering the prescribed sedative
• D. Giving the child a simple explanation of the procedure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Preparing a toddler for a CT scan involves providing a simple explanation of the procedure to help reduce anxiety and fear. Shaving the child's head is unnecessary for a CT scan and may increase distress. Starting an IV infusion or administering sedatives may not be appropriate or necessary for all pediatric patients undergoing CT scans, especially if the child can cooperate without these interventions.

2. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Limiting output
• B. Replacing lost fluids
• C. Avoiding IV infiltration
• D. Preventing cardiac overload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Preventing cardiac overload. Infants are highly vulnerable to fluid overload, making it essential to carefully monitor IV flow rates to prevent complications such as cardiac overload. Rapid administration of IV fluids can lead to an excessive increase in circulating volume, potentially causing cardiac strain or heart failure in infants. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Monitoring the IV flow rate is not primarily aimed at limiting output, replacing lost fluids, or avoiding IV infiltration in this scenario. The key concern is to prevent the risk of cardiac overload due to the infant's susceptibility to fluid imbalances.

3. When evaluating the laboratory report of a 1-year-old infant’s hematocrit, a healthcare professional compares it with the expected hematocrit range for this age group. What is the hematocrit of a healthy 12-month-old infant?

• A. 19% to 32%
• B. 29% to 41%
• C. 37% to 47%
• D. 42% to 69%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 37% to 47%. The normal hematocrit range for a 12-month-old infant is between 37% to 47%, which reflects the expected blood volume and red blood cell levels for this age. Choice A (19% to 32%) and Choice B (29% to 41%) are too low and do not encompass the typical hematocrit range for a healthy 1-year-old. Choice D (42% to 69%) is too high and falls outside the usual hematocrit values for this age group.

4. A child with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being discharged from the hospital. What is important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Monitor blood glucose levels daily
• B. Administer insulin based on blood glucose levels
• C. Recognize signs of hypoglycemia
• D. Follow a structured meal plan

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Following a structured meal plan is essential for managing diabetes mellitus. It helps regulate blood glucose levels and ensures proper nutrition. Monitoring blood glucose levels daily is important, not just once a day, to maintain control. Administering insulin based on blood glucose levels is crucial but should be done as per the healthcare provider's instructions, not only when blood glucose is high. Recognizing signs of hypoglycemia is important, but it is equally vital to prevent hypoglycemia by adhering to a consistent meal plan and insulin regimen.

5. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.

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