Nursing Elites

1. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 to 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

• A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
• B. Diaphragmatic respiration.
• C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
• D. Flaring of the nares.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates an increased effort to breathe and is a crucial finding that requires immediate attention, as it signifies the child is having difficulty breathing and may be in respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds may be present in conditions like pneumonia but do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic respiration is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute in a 4-month-old infant is within the expected range, so it does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.

2. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old child who is scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured femur. The child’s parent expresses concern about the child being afraid of the surgery. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Children at this age are usually not afraid of surgery
• B. It’s normal for your child to feel scared. Let’s talk about what to expect
• C. You should talk to the surgeon about your child’s fear
• D. Don’t worry, your child will be fine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acknowledging the child’s fear and providing information about what to expect can help alleviate anxiety.

3. When obtaining the nursing history of a 7-year-old child admitted to the hospital with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), which finding should the nurse expect to obtain?

• A. High blood cholesterol level on routine screening.
• B. Increased thirst and urination.
• C. A recent strep throat infection.
• D. A recent DPT immunization.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a child with acute glomerulonephritis (AGN), a common trigger to expect in the nursing history is a recent strep throat infection. AGN can be triggered by a streptococcal infection, leading to the deposition of immune complexes in the glomeruli. This finding is crucial as it helps identify a potential cause for the development of AGN in the child. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as high blood cholesterol levels, increased thirst and urination, and recent DPT immunization are not directly associated with triggering acute glomerulonephritis in children.

4. The nurse is providing care for a 12-year-old child who was recently diagnosed with scoliosis. The child’s parent asks about treatment options. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Scoliosis can be corrected with exercises and physical therapy.
• B. Bracing is often recommended to prevent further curvature of the spine.
• C. Surgery is usually necessary for all cases of scoliosis.
• D. There is no effective treatment for scoliosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bracing is commonly used in moderate cases of scoliosis to prevent progression of the spinal curvature. Choice A is incorrect because exercises and physical therapy can help manage scoliosis but may not correct it. Choice C is incorrect as surgery is usually reserved for severe cases of scoliosis that do not respond to other treatments. Choice D is incorrect because there are effective treatments available for scoliosis, such as bracing, and surgery when necessary.

5. When should a mother introduce solid foods to her 4-month-old infant? The mother states that her mother suggests putting rice cereal in the baby's bottle. The nurse should instruct the mother to introduce solid foods when her child exhibits which behavior?

• A. Stops rooting when hungry
• B. Opens mouth when food is offered
• C. Awakens once for nighttime feedings
• D. Gives up a bottle for a cup

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Introducing solid foods when the child opens their mouth for food is important to ensure readiness for solids. This behavior indicates the infant's interest and readiness for new textures and flavors, promoting safe and successful introduction to solid foods. The other choices are not indicative of the infant's readiness for solid foods: A - stopping rooting is a reflex action, C - awakening for nighttime feedings is a normal behavior, and D - transitioning from a bottle to a cup is a developmental milestone unrelated to solid food introduction.

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