Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.

2. What finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Smooth velvety skin
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weight gain is the expected finding in a child with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowed metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Choices A, B, and C are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Nervousness and heat intolerance are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity. Smooth velvety skin is not a characteristic sign of hypothyroidism.

3. What should the nurse recommend to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in a 6-month-old infant?

• A. Place the infant on their back to sleep
• B. Use a pacifier during sleep
• C. Have the infant sleep on their side
• D. Keep the infant's room cool

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing the infant on their back to sleep is the correct recommendation to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This sleep position has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of SIDS. Using a pacifier during sleep (Choice B) can also help reduce the risk, but it is secondary to the back sleeping position. Having the infant sleep on their side (Choice C) is not recommended, as it increases the risk of SIDS. Keeping the infant's room cool (Choice D) may provide a comfortable sleeping environment but does not directly reduce the risk of SIDS.

4. What would be important for the nurse to include when teaching an adolescent about tinea pedis?

• A. Keep your feet moist and exposed to the air as much as possible.
• B. Dry the area between your toes thoroughly.
• C. Wear nylon or synthetic socks every day.
• D. Walk barefoot in the school locker room.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Dry the area between your toes thoroughly.' When educating an adolescent about tinea pedis, emphasis should be placed on keeping the feet dry, especially between the toes, to minimize the risk of fungal infection. Choice A is incorrect as keeping the feet moist can exacerbate the condition. Choice C is incorrect because nylon or synthetic socks can trap moisture, promoting fungal growth. Choice D is incorrect as walking barefoot in locker rooms increases the risk of contracting tinea pedis from contaminated surfaces.

5. A 6-month-old infant is brought to the emergency department in severe respiratory distress. A diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is made and the infant is admitted to the pediatric unit. What should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Place the infant in a warm, dry environment.
• B. Allow parents and siblings to visit.
• C. Maintain standard and contact precautions.
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics immediately.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain standard and contact precautions. RSV is highly contagious, primarily spreading through respiratory secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to implement infection control measures to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare setting. Option A is incorrect as warmth and dryness are not the primary concern in RSV management. While family support is important, allowing visits may increase the risk of spreading the infection, making option B less appropriate. Option D is incorrect because RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

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