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. What is the first action a healthcare provider should take before administering a tube feeding to an infant?

• A. Irrigate the tube with water.
• B. Offer a pacifier to the infant.
• C. Slowly instill 10 mL of formula.
• D. Place the infant in the Trendelenburg position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to offer a pacifier to the infant before administering tube feeding. Offering a pacifier helps stimulate the sucking reflex, preparing the infant for feeding and promoting digestion and comfort. Irrigating the tube with water (Choice A) is not typically the first action before tube feeding and may not be necessary. Slowly instilling formula (Choice C) should only be done after the infant is prepared for feeding. Placing the infant in the Trendelenburg position (Choice D) is not necessary and may not be recommended for tube feeding.

3. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

4. The nurse volunteering at a homeless shelter to assist families with children identifies homelessness as a risk preventing families from achieving positive outcomes in life. What family theory encompasses this approach to assessing family dynamics?

• A. Duvall's developmental theory
• B. Friedman's structural functional theory
• C. Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families
• D. Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation is the appropriate theory in this scenario. This model focuses on identifying risks and protective factors that help families achieve positive outcomes despite challenges. Duvall's developmental theory primarily focuses on family life cycle stages, Friedman's structural functional theory emphasizes the interdependence of family members, and Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families looks at the family as a dynamic system. These theories do not specifically address the concept of resilience and adaptation in the face of stressors like homelessness.

5. What is a common finding that the nurse can identify in most children with symptomatic cardiac malformations?

• A. Mental retardation
• B. Inherited genetic factors
• C. Delayed physical growth
• D. Clubbing of the fingertips

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Delayed physical growth is a common finding in most children with symptomatic cardiac malformations. This occurs due to inadequate oxygenation and nutrient supply to tissues as a result of the cardiac defect. Mental retardation (Choice A) is not typically associated with cardiac malformations unless there are complications affecting brain function. Inherited genetic factors (Choice B) may contribute to the development of cardiac malformations but are not a direct common finding in affected children. Clubbing of the fingertips (Choice D) is more commonly associated with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions, not specifically cardiac malformations in children.

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