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 test is used to screen for carbohydrate malabsorption?

• A. Stool pH
• B. Urine ketones
• C. C urea breath test
• D. ELISA stool assay

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Stool pH testing is used to screen for carbohydrate malabsorption. A low pH indicates the presence of unabsorbed carbohydrates, which are fermented by bacteria, leading to acidic stool.

3. Why does the nurse have a 2-year-old boy sit in a “tailor” position while palpating for the presence of the testes?

• A. It prevents the cremasteric reflex
• B. Undescended testes can be palpated
• C. The child has an inguinal hernia
• D. The child does not yet have a need for privacy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The tailor position stretches the muscle responsible for the cremasteric reflex, preventing it from contracting and pulling the testes into the pelvic cavity. This position helps accurately palpate the testes. Choice B is incorrect because the position does not facilitate the palpation of undescended testes specifically. Choice C is incorrect as it does not relate to the rationale behind the tailor position. Choice D is incorrect as the reason for using the tailor position is not related to the child's need for privacy.

4. What is an important intervention in providing a neutral thermal environment for an LBW infant in an incubator?

• A. Use wool blankets.
• B. Avoid using disposable diapers.
• C. Prevent heat loss.
• D. Closely monitor both incubator and rectal temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing heat loss in a low birth weight (LBW) infant is crucial in maintaining a neutral thermal environment. The use of cotton blankets is recommended over wool blankets. Avoiding disposable diapers is not directly related to maintaining a neutral thermal environment. While monitoring temperatures is important, the key intervention is preventing heat loss to ensure the infant's survival.

5. What self-report pain rating scales can be used in children as young as 3 years of age?

• A. Poker Chip Tool
• B. Visual Analog Scale
• C. FACES Pain Rating Scale
• D. Word-Graphic Rating Scale

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The FACES Pain Rating Scale is suitable for children as young as 3 years of age. It uses facial expressions to depict different levels of pain, making it easy for young children to understand and use. The Poker Chip Tool is validated for children aged 4 and older who have a certain level of cognitive ability. The Visual Analog Scale is more appropriate for children aged 7 and above. The Word-Graphic Rating Scale, which uses descriptive words, is recommended for children in the age range of 4 to 17 years.

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