Nursing Elites

1. A 4-year-old child is brought to the clinic with complaints of ear pain and fever. The practical nurse suspects otitis media. Which symptom supports this suspicion?

• A. Clear nasal discharge.
• B. Dry, hacking cough.
• C. Tugging at the ear.
• D. Sore throat.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tugging at the ear is a common symptom in children with otitis media. It often indicates discomfort or pain in the ear, suggesting inflammation or infection in the middle ear. This behavior is frequently observed in young children who are unable to express their discomfort verbally, making it a significant clinical indicator for otitis media in this age group. Clear nasal discharge (Choice A) is more indicative of a cold or allergies, while a dry, hacking cough (Choice B) is not typically associated with otitis media. Although a sore throat (Choice D) can sometimes accompany ear infections, tugging at the ear is a more specific and reliable symptom in this case.

2. When a 3-year-old boy asks a nurse why his baby sister is eating his mommy’s breast, how should the nurse respond? (Select the response that does not apply.)

• A. Remind him that his mother breastfed him too
• B. Clarify that breastfeeding is the mother’s choice
• C. Reassure the older brother that it does not hurt his mother
• D. Explain that newborns get milk from their mothers in this way

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should avoid reminding the older sibling about his own breastfeeding experience as it does not directly address the question posed by the boy. Providing simple explanations about breastfeeding and newborn feeding patterns helps the older sibling understand the natural process without bringing up personal experiences. Choice B is correct because clarifying that breastfeeding is the mother's choice helps the older sibling understand the concept of personal decisions. Choice C is appropriate as reassuring the older brother that it does not hurt his mother addresses a common concern children may have. Choice D is also suitable as it explains in simple terms how newborns receive milk from their mothers.

3. What should the nurse do first for a 6-year-old with asthma showing a prolonged expiratory phase, wheezing, and 35% of personal best peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)?

• A. Administer a prescribed bronchodilator.
• B. Encourage the child to cough and take deep breaths.
• C. Report the findings to the healthcare provider.
• D. Identify the triggers that precipitated this attack.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority action in managing an acute asthma exacerbation in a child. Bronchodilators help to relax the muscles around the airways, opening them up and improving breathing. This intervention aims to address the immediate breathing difficulty and should be done promptly to provide relief for the child. Encouraging coughing and deep breaths (choice B) may worsen the child's condition by further constricting the airways. Reporting findings to the healthcare provider (choice C) is important but not the immediate priority in this acute situation. Identifying triggers (choice D) is crucial for long-term asthma management but is not the first step when managing an acute exacerbation.

4. A child diagnosed with Kawasaki disease is brought to the clinic. The mother reports that her child is irritable, refuses to eat, and has skin peeling on both hands and feet. Which intervention should the nurse instruct the mother to implement first?

• A. Place the child in a quiet environment
• B. Make a list of foods that the child likes
• C. Encourage the parents to rest when possible
• D. Apply lotion to hands and feet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a child with Kawasaki disease, presenting with irritability and skin peeling, is to place the child in a quiet environment. This helps reduce environmental stimuli, calming the child and aiding in managing the symptoms associated with the disease. Choice B is incorrect as addressing food preferences is not the priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as the focus should be on the child's immediate needs. Choice D is incorrect as applying lotion is not the first-line intervention for Kawasaki disease symptoms.

5. The practical nurse is providing care for a toddler who has just returned from surgery for a tonsillectomy. Which intervention is a priority in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Offer clear fluids frequently.
• B. Encourage the child to cough and deep breathe.
• C. Monitor for frequent swallowing.
• D. Apply a warm compress to the throat area.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring for frequent swallowing is a priority intervention in the immediate postoperative period after a tonsillectomy. Frequent swallowing may indicate bleeding from the surgical site, which requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as hemorrhage. Offering clear fluids frequently may not be appropriate immediately after surgery. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing may increase the risk of bleeding. Applying a warm compress to the throat area is not recommended as it can increase blood flow to the surgical site, potentially causing bleeding.

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