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. A 3-year-old child ingests a substance that may be a poison. The parent calls a neighbor who is a nurse and asks what to do. What should the nurse recommend the parent to do?

• A. Administer syrup of ipecac.
• B. Call the poison control center.
• C. Take the child to the emergency department.
• D. Give the child bread dipped in milk to absorb the poison.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of potential poisoning, immediate guidance from professionals is crucial. Administering syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended routinely due to potential risks and lack of benefit. Taking the child to the emergency department is necessary in severe cases but may not always be the immediate action needed. Giving the child bread dipped in milk is not an appropriate method to manage poisoning and could potentially worsen the situation. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse to recommend is to call the poison control center for expert advice on managing the situation.

3. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of epilepsy about seizure precautions. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Keep a diary of seizure activity
• B. Administer antiepileptic medication only when a seizure occurs
• C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
• D. Teach seizure first aid to family members

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Teaching seizure first aid to family members is crucial for ensuring the child's safety during a seizure. Keeping a diary of seizure activity (choice A) is important for tracking patterns and triggers but does not directly relate to immediate safety during a seizure. Administering antiepileptic medication only when a seizure occurs (choice B) is incorrect as medications should be given as prescribed to maintain therapeutic levels. Restricting the child's activities to prevent seizures (choice C) is not an appropriate approach as it may limit the child's quality of life without guaranteeing seizure prevention.

4. A group of nursing students is reviewing the components of the endocrine system. The students demonstrate understanding of the review when they identify what as the primary function of this system?

• A. Regulation of water balance
• B. Hormonal secretion
• C. Cellular metabolism
• D. Growth stimulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Hormonal secretion' (Choice B). The primary function of the endocrine system is to secrete hormones that regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Choice A, 'Regulation of water balance,' is primarily controlled by the kidneys and the urinary system, not the endocrine system. Choice C, 'Cellular metabolism,' is more directly related to the functions of individual cells rather than the overall function of the endocrine system. Choice D, 'Growth stimulation,' is a function that can be influenced by hormones secreted by the endocrine system, but it is not the primary function of the system.

5. What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy?

• A. Explain the procedure in simple terms
• B. Encourage fluid intake
• C. Allow the child to play with medical equipment
• D. Use play therapy to prepare the child

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy, explaining the procedure in simple terms is essential in helping the child understand what will happen during the surgery and reducing anxiety. Encouraging fluid intake, allowing the child to play with medical equipment, and using play therapy are not directly related to preparing the child for the myringotomy procedure. Therefore, these options are incorrect and not as beneficial as explaining the procedure in simple terms.

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