Nursing Elites

1. A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. How should the nurse prepare this child?

• A. It is unnecessary because of child’s age.
• B. It is essential because it will be an adjustment.
• C. Preparation is not needed because the colostomy is temporary.
• D. Preparation is important because the child needs to deal with negative body image.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preparation is essential even for a young child, as they need to adjust to the temporary colostomy and understand the changes to their body, which can be confusing and distressing without proper explanation.

2. What is the most critical physiologic change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The onset of breathing is the most immediate and critical physiologic change required for the transition to extrauterine life. Factors that interfere with this normal transition increase fetal asphyxia, which is a condition of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. While body temperature maintenance, stabilization of fluid and electrolytes, and closure of fetal shunts in the heart are crucial changes in the transition to extrauterine life, breathing and the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide must take precedence as they are essential for newborn survival.

3. The school nurse suspects a testicular torsion in a young adolescent student. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Place a warm moist pack on the scrotal area.
• B. Instruct the adolescent to lie down and elevate the legs.
• C. Refer the adolescent for immediate medical evaluation.
• D. Suggest that the adolescent wear a scrotum-protecting guard.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation. Applying heat or elevating the legs will not alleviate the torsion, and delaying care can lead to testicular necrosis.

4. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

5. The nurse is conducting discharge teaching to an adolescent with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. What should the nurse include in the instructions?

• A. Avoid sharing of towels and washcloths
• B. All are applicable
• C. Use bleach when laundering towels and washcloths
• D. Take a daily bath or shower with an antibacterial soap

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Avoiding sharing of towels and washcloths, using bleach when laundering, and taking daily baths with antibacterial soap are critical to prevent the spread of MRSA. Cold water is not effective for laundering in these cases.

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