Nursing Elites

1. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

2. What nursing consideration is most important when caring for a child with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

• A. Children with ESRD usually adapt well to minor inconveniences of treatment.
• B. Children with ESRD require extensive support until they outgrow the condition.
• C. Multiple stresses are placed on children with ESRD and their families until the illness is cured.
• D. Multiple stresses are placed on children with ESRD and their families because children's lives are maintained by drugs and artificial means.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: ESRD places significant stress on both the child and the family due to the ongoing need for dialysis, medications, and lifestyle restrictions, making it important for healthcare providers to offer extensive support and resources to manage these challenges.

3. Which pediatric disorder is associated with a 'boot-shaped' heart on a chest x-ray?

• A. Tetralogy of Fallot
• B. Transposition of the great arteries
• C. Coarctation of the aorta
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot is often associated with a 'boot-shaped' heart appearance on a chest x-ray due to the characteristic heart anatomy in this condition. This appearance is caused by the combination of pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Choice B, Transposition of the great arteries, is incorrect because it presents with a 'egg-on-a-string' appearance on x-ray due to the abnormal position of the aorta and pulmonary artery. Choice C, Coarctation of the aorta, typically presents with rib notching on x-ray. Choice D, Ventricular septal defect, does not produce the 'boot-shaped' heart appearance seen in Tetralogy of Fallot.

4. A teenager is accompanied by his mother to the annual physical examination. The nurse is aware of privacy issues related to the teenager. While the mother is in the room, which topic should the nurse avoid?

• A. School performance
• B. Seatbelt use
• C. Cigarette smoking
• D. School friends

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cigarette smoking. Discussing sensitive topics like cigarette smoking in the presence of a parent may inhibit the teenager's willingness to be open and honest. It's important to provide an opportunity for the teenager to speak privately with the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are more general topics that can be discussed openly in front of the parent without compromising the teenager's privacy or comfort.

5. A child is admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure. The parents ask about the prognosis for acute renal failure. The nurse’s response should be based on which statement about acute renal failure?

• A. Children with acute renal failure will have to take prophylactic antibiotics for life.
• B. Acute renal failure always leads to chronic renal failure.
• C. Acute renal failure may be reversible.
• D. All children with acute renal failure will eventually need a kidney transplant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute renal failure in children is often reversible, especially when the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly. It does not always lead to chronic renal failure or the need for a kidney transplant. Choice A is incorrect as prophylactic antibiotics for life are not a standard treatment for acute renal failure. Choice B is incorrect as acute renal failure does not always progress to chronic renal failure. Choice D is incorrect as not all children with acute renal failure will eventually require a kidney transplant.

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