Nursing Elites

1. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Hypotonic dehydration
• D. Isotonic dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is hypotonic dehydration. The combination of high hemoglobin and hematocrit with low serum sodium indicates hypotonic dehydration. In this condition, there is an excess of solutes relative to water, leading to higher red blood cell concentration (elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit) and low serum sodium levels.

2. When caring for a child with hyponatremia, a nurse delegates care to a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and instructs the LVN to promptly report which clinical manifestation?

• A. Seizures
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Seizures are a significant concern in severe hyponatremia as they indicate potential neurological complications and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further harm to the child. Prompt reporting of seizures allows for timely assessment and appropriate treatment to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

3. When developing a home program for self-care, which approach is the most effective?

• A. Require the parent to practice the steps regularly and track progress.
• B. Introduce new home programs weekly with clear instructions for the parent to follow.
• C. List all the steps and have the parent teach them to the child without practicing.
• D. Practice the new steps until the child is ready to independently perform them at home.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most effective approach when developing a home program for self-care is to practice the new steps with the child until they are capable of independently carrying them out at home. This method ensures that the child has mastered the skills before transitioning to independent implementation. It is essential for the child's success in self-care activities and promotes their autonomy and confidence. Requiring the parent to practice the steps regularly and track progress, introducing new programs weekly, or having the parent teach the steps without practice may not be as beneficial in fostering the child's independence and skill acquisition.

4. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

5. The healthcare provider is providing care to a child who was treated with aspirin during a viral infection. Which clinical manifestations should cause the healthcare provider concern?

• A. Nausea, vomiting, and confusion
• B. Headache, vomiting, and seizures
• C. Sore throat, moist respirations, and cough
• D. Fever, rash, and photophobia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and confusion are concerning as they are indicative of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition associated with aspirin use in children during viral illnesses. Reye's syndrome can lead to severe complications, including brain and liver damage, hence prompt recognition and management are crucial.

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