Nursing Elites

1. A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:

• A. Ventilate her with a bag-valve mask.
• B. Start chest compressions.
• C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask.
• D. Place her in the recovery position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.

2. What should the nurse include in the insulin administration instruction for the parents of a child being discharged on insulin?

• A. Insert the needle and aspirate before injecting
• B. Inject insulin into the extremity to be exercised to improve absorption
• C. The muscles in the abdomen and thigh are the easiest for self-administration
• D. Clean the injection site with soap and water and avoid alcohol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the muscles in the abdomen and thigh are the most suitable areas for self-administration of insulin due to consistent absorption. Choices A and B are incorrect as aspirating before injecting insulin is unnecessary, and injecting into an extremity to be exercised does not enhance absorption. Choice D is incorrect as alcohol should be used to clean the injection site instead of soap and water, which can cause skin irritation.

3. A 4-year-old boy ingested an unknown quantity of drain cleaner. He is alert, has a patent airway, and has adequate breathing. You should:

• A. administer 1 g/kg of activated charcoal.
• B. give 15 mL of ipecac and contact medical control.
• C. contact poison control and give him oxygen.
• D. give oxygen and perform a head-to-toe exam.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a child ingests a harmful substance like drain cleaner and remains alert with a patent airway and adequate breathing, the initial steps involve contacting poison control to guide further management. In this scenario, providing oxygen to support respiratory function is essential until definitive care is established. Activated charcoal and ipecac are not recommended in the management of ingested caustic substances like drain cleaner. Performing a head-to-toe exam can wait until the child's immediate respiratory needs are addressed and the poison control center has provided guidance on further management.

4. Which of the following is NOT a function of hormones?

• A. Producing new offspring
• B. Promoting growth and beauty
• C. Maintaining body temperature
• D. Fighting infections

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hormones play various roles in the body, such as promoting growth and beauty, maintaining body temperature, and fighting infections. However, producing new offspring is not a direct function of hormones. Reproduction is primarily regulated by other factors like the reproductive system. Choice B is incorrect because hormones can indeed influence growth but not specifically 'beauty.' Choice C is incorrect as hormones can help regulate body temperature indirectly. Choice D is incorrect as hormones like cytokines can be involved in the body's immune response to fight infections.

5. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

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