Nursing Elites

1. What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?

• A. Pyloric stenosis
• B. Intussusception
• C. Hirschsprung disease
• D. Celiac disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.

2. The nurse is caring for a child with suspected ingestion of some type of poison. What action should the nurse take next after initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

• A. Empty the mouth of pills, plants, or other material.
• B. Question the victim and witness.
• C. Place the child in a side-lying position.
• D. Call poison control.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After ensuring the child's immediate survival needs are met with CPR, contacting poison control is critical to receive specific guidance on how to proceed with treatment. Other actions may be necessary depending on the situation but should follow contacting poison control.

3. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

4. An adolescent states, “I want to be a doctor or a lawyer when I grow up because I like taking care of people.” Which Eriksonian challenge is the adolescent attempting?

• A. Identity vs. role diffusion
• B. Trust vs. mistrust
• C. Industry vs. inferiority
• D. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Identity vs. role diffusion. During adolescence, individuals face the challenge of forming a cohesive sense of self and identity. In this scenario, the adolescent's desire to become a doctor or lawyer reflects the exploration of potential roles and career paths, indicating an attempt to establish a clear identity. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Trust vs. mistrust is a challenge experienced in infancy, industry vs. inferiority is relevant to the school-age period, and autonomy vs. shame and doubt is associated with the toddler stage, not adolescence.

5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia is the correct answer because it is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less common in diarrhea as sodium concentration is usually diluted by the fluid loss. Hypercalcemia (Choice C) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) can occur but is not as common as hypokalemia in this scenario.

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