Nursing Elites

1. A 3-year-old child with a history of frequent respiratory infections is being evaluated for cystic fibrosis. What diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate will be ordered?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. Sweat chloride test
• C. Pulmonary function test
• D. Sputum culture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sweat chloride test is the gold standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis as it measures the concentration of chloride in sweat. In cystic fibrosis, there is an abnormal transport of chloride across epithelial membranes, leading to elevated sweat chloride levels. A chest X-ray may show characteristic changes in the lungs associated with cystic fibrosis, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test. Pulmonary function tests assess lung function but do not specifically diagnose cystic fibrosis. Sputum culture may identify respiratory infections but does not confirm the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

2. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor for signs of bleeding
• C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
• D. Monitor for signs of pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy is to monitor for signs of infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, putting the child at a higher risk of developing infections. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (choice B), dehydration (choice C), and pain (choice D) are also important aspects of care, but in this scenario, the priority is to prevent and manage infections due to the compromised immune system.

3. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, at what apical pulse did the nurse decide to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the health care provider?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and its administration is based on heart rate parameters. A pulse rate below 90 beats/min indicates bradycardia. In pediatric patients, bradycardia below this threshold may be a sign of toxicity or potential adverse effects of digoxin, necessitating withholding the medication and informing the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent pulse rates above the threshold for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child.

4. A 13-year-old girl tells the nurse at the pediatric clinic that she took a pregnancy test and it was positive. She adds that her grandfather, with whom she, her younger sisters, and her mother live, has repeatedly molested her for the past 3 years. When the nurse asks the girl if she has told this to anyone, she replies, 'Yes, but my mother doesn’t believe me.' Legally, who should the nurse notify?

• A. Police regarding a potential sex crime
• B. Health care provider to confirm the pregnancy
• C. Child Protective Services for immediate intervention
• D. The girl’s mother about the positive pregnancy test result

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases of child abuse and ongoing molestation, as described in the scenario, the primary concern is the safety and well-being of the child. Child Protective Services should be notified immediately for intervention to protect the girl and other children in the household from further harm. The police may be involved later to investigate the criminal aspect of the abuse. Notifying the healthcare provider solely to confirm the pregnancy or informing the girl’s mother about the positive test result does not address the urgent need for intervention and protection from abuse. Child Protective Services are trained to handle such cases and provide the necessary support and protection for the child and other vulnerable individuals in the family. Immediate action is crucial to ensure the girl's safety and prevent further harm.

5. When caring for an alert 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color, what should be included?

• A. Back blows, abdominal thrusts, transport
• B. Oxygen, avoiding agitation, transport
• C. Assisting ventilations, back blows, transport
• D. Chest thrusts, finger sweeps, transport

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for a child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, and normal skin color includes providing oxygen to support breathing, avoiding agitation that could worsen the situation, and arranging for transport to a healthcare facility. Option A is incorrect because abdominal thrusts are not recommended in a mild airway obstruction scenario, and back blows are typically used for choking. Option C is incorrect because assisting ventilations may not be necessary in a child with a strong cough and normal skin color. Option D is incorrect because chest thrusts are not recommended for a mild airway obstruction, and finger sweeps are used for foreign body airway obstructions.

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