Nursing Elites

1. During a routine monthly examination, a 5-month-old infant is brought to the pediatric clinic. What assessment finding should alert the nurse to notify the health care provider immediately?

• A. Temperature of 99.5°F
• B. Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg
• C. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute in a 5-month-old infant is higher than the expected range and may indicate respiratory distress. This finding is concerning and should prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider for further evaluation and intervention. A temperature of 99.5°F, blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg, and heart rate of 100 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a 5-month-old infant. Elevated temperature may indicate a mild fever, which can be monitored. A blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg is within the normal range for infants. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute is also within the expected range for a 5-month-old infant and does not typically require immediate notification of the health care provider.

2. When assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock, which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: systolic blood pressure. In young children, systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter for assessing perfusion status. Factors such as anxiety, crying, and fear can significantly affect blood pressure measurements, leading to inaccuracies. Distal capillary refill, skin color and temperature, and presence of peripheral pulses are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Distal capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion, skin color, and temperature reflect tissue perfusion, and the presence of peripheral pulses indicates blood flow to the extremities. Therefore, when evaluating a 2-year-old child with possible shock, focusing on parameters other than systolic blood pressure is crucial for an accurate assessment of perfusion status.

3. Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following head trauma?

• A. nausea and vomiting
• B. altered mental status
• C. tachycardia and diaphoresis
• D. changes in pupillary reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children following head trauma due to their higher risk of increased intracranial pressure. Children have less space for swelling within the skull compared to adults, making them more prone to experiencing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Altered mental status and changes in pupillary reaction can also occur in both children and adults following head trauma, but they are not specifically more common in children. Tachycardia and diaphoresis are generally signs of autonomic nervous system activation and may occur in both children and adults, but they are not typically more common in children compared to adults following head trauma.

4. What is the typical therapeutic management treatment for children with Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Daily enemas
• B. Low-fiber diet
• C. Permanent colostomy
• D. Surgical removal of affected section of bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most common treatment for Hirschsprung disease is the surgical removal of the affected section of the bowel. This procedure entails excising the part of the colon that lacks nerve cells crucial for normal bowel function. Daily enemas (Choice A) can offer temporary relief for constipation but do not address the root cause of the condition, which is the absence of nerve cells. A low-fiber diet (Choice B) is not a primary therapy for Hirschsprung disease and may not effectively manage the disorder. A permanent colostomy (Choice C) is typically considered in severe cases where other interventions have failed and is not the standard management approach for Hirschsprung disease.

5. What is the appropriate therapeutic management for children with Hirschsprung disease?

• A. daily enemas
• B. low-fiber diet
• C. permanent colostomy
• D. surgical removal of the affected section of bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung disease is characterized by a segment of the colon lacking nerve cells, leading to obstruction. The definitive treatment involves surgically removing the affected segment, followed by a pull-through procedure to restore normal bowel continuity. Daily enemas (choice A) are not the primary treatment for Hirschsprung disease. While dietary adjustments may be advised, a low-fiber diet (choice B) alone is not curative for this condition. A permanent colostomy (choice C) is considered a last resort if surgical interventions fail or in severe cases, but it is not the initial therapeutic approach for managing Hirschsprung disease.

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