Nursing Elites

1. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering a bronchodilator
• B. Administering an antihistamine
• C. Administering a corticosteroid
• D. Administering oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways, making breathing easier and relieving acute symptoms of asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations; they are more commonly used for allergic reactions. Corticosteroids are beneficial in reducing inflammation in asthma but are usually administered after bronchodilators to provide long-term control. Oxygen therapy may be necessary in severe cases of asthma exacerbation, but bronchodilators take precedence in improving airway patency and respiratory distress.

2. A child has been diagnosed with classic hemophilia. A nurse teaches the child’s parents how to administer the plasma component factor VIII through a venous port. It is to be given 3 times a week. What should the nurse tell them about when to administer this therapy?

• A. Whenever a bleed is suspected
• B. In the morning on scheduled days
• C. At bedtime while the child is lying quietly in bed
• D. On a regular schedule at the parents’ convenience

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering factor VIII in the morning on scheduled days ensures that there is a consistent level of the plasma component throughout the day, especially when the child is active. This timing helps to maintain adequate levels of factor VIII to prevent bleeding episodes. Choice A is incorrect because administering factor VIII only when a bleed is suspected would not provide the consistent prophylactic coverage needed for children with hemophilia. Choice C is incorrect as bedtime administration may not be practical for ensuring the plasma component is available during the child's active hours. Choice D is incorrect because administering factor VIII on a regular schedule, rather than at specific times of the day, may not optimize its effectiveness in preventing bleeding episodes.

3. A child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis is admitted to the hospital. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Encouraging fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention helps to maintain airway patency and improve breathing, which are crucial in managing bronchiolitis. Administering bronchodilators (Choice A) may be a part of the treatment plan but is not the most important intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but falls secondary to providing direct respiratory support. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is also essential but does not address the immediate respiratory needs of the child with bronchiolitis.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often considered the last sign of heart failure in infants and children. It indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are early signs of heart failure due to inadequate cardiac output. Periorbital edema, while a sign of excess fluid, typically occurs earlier in the progression of heart failure compared to peripheral edema.

5. A child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis is admitted to the hospital. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Encouraging fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention helps to maintain airway patency and improve breathing by assisting with mucus clearance and ventilation. Administering bronchodilators (Choice A) may be considered in some cases, but it is not the most crucial intervention for bronchiolitis. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but is not as directly impactful as providing respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is important for hydration but does not directly address the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.

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