Nursing Elites

1. A 5-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Isolating the child
• C. Monitoring vital signs
• D. Administering fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 5-year-old child admitted to the hospital with bacterial meningitis is to isolate the child. Isolating the child is crucial to prevent the spread of infection to others, as bacterial meningitis is highly contagious. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) is important in the treatment of bacterial meningitis, but isolating the child takes precedence to protect others. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) and administering fluids (Choice D) are essential aspects of care for a child with meningitis but are not the priority intervention to prevent the spread of the infection.

2. A parent asks the nurse what to do for their child who has an earache and fever. What should the nurse suggest?

• A. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear
• B. Giving the child a cold drink
• C. Administering acetaminophen
• D. Taking the child to the emergency department

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear is a recommended home remedy for earaches as it can help reduce pain and discomfort. The warmth can also help improve circulation and promote drainage if there is fluid buildup. Giving a cold drink (Choice B) is not typically beneficial for earaches and fever. Administering acetaminophen (Choice C) can help reduce fever and alleviate pain, but addressing the earache directly with a warm compress is a more targeted approach. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) is not necessary for a common earache unless there are severe symptoms or complications present.

3. You are called to a residence for a 'sick' 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of

• A. 100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and rapid transport
• B. positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device and rapid transport
• C. chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport
• D. back blows and chest thrusts while attempting artificial ventilations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 5-year-old child who is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the priority is to initiate chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These vital interventions are crucial in cases of severe respiratory and cardiovascular compromise. Choice A is incorrect because administering 100% oxygen alone may not address the underlying issues of inadequate ventilation and circulatory support. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this scenario; chest compressions should precede positive pressure ventilations. Choice D is incorrect as back blows and chest thrusts are indicated in choking emergencies, not in this case of respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.

4. A 2-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital for further surgical repair of a clubfoot is standing in the crib, crying. The child refuses to be comforted and calls for the mother. As the nurse approaches the crib to provide morning care, the child screams louder. Knowing that this behavior is typical of the stage of protest, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Use comforting measures while holding the child.
• B. Fill the basin with water and proceed to bathe the child.
• C. Sit by the crib and bathe the child later when the anxiety decreases.
• D. Postpone the bath for a day because a child this upset should not be traumatized further.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the stage of protest, children may exhibit distress and cling to familiar figures, resisting interactions with others. The most appropriate nursing intervention is to sit by the crib, offer comfort, and wait until the child's anxiety decreases before proceeding with bathing. This approach allows the child to feel supported and gradually transition to accepting care. Choice A is incorrect because forcing comfort may escalate the child's distress. Choice B is inappropriate as it disregards the child's emotional state and rushes into the bathing procedure. Choice D is not ideal as it suggests delaying care for an extended period, which may not address the child's immediate needs for comfort and hygiene.

5. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?

• A. Shortened prothrombin time
• B. Increased fibrinogen level
• C. Positive fibrin split products
• D. Increased platelets

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positive fibrin split products are indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is widespread clotting and subsequent consumption of clotting factors, leading to the formation of fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster clotting, which is opposite to the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) may be observed in the early stages of DIC due to the compensatory increase in production, but it is not a definitive indicator. Increased platelets (Choice D) may be seen in the early stages of DIC due to the body's attempt to compensate for clot formation, but it is not a specific finding for DIC.

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