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 nurse plans to talk to the parents of a toddler about toilet training. What should the nurse explain is the most important factor in the process of toilet training?

• A. Parents' attitude about it
• B. Child's desire to remain dry
• C. Child's ability to sit still on the toilet
• D. Parents' willingness to work at the toilet training

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial factor in the process of toilet training is the parents' willingness to consistently engage and work with their child. While parents' attitude and the child's desire to remain dry can influence the process, the key to successful toilet training lies in the parents' commitment and effort. The child's ability to sit still on the toilet is important but not as critical as the parents' active involvement and support in guiding and encouraging the child through the training process.

3. How is the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease confirmed in a 1-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit?

• A. Colonoscopy
• B. Rectal biopsy
• C. Multiple saline enemas
• D. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rectal biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for Hirschsprung disease in infants. It confirms the absence of ganglion cells in the affected bowel segment, which is characteristic of Hirschsprung disease. Colonoscopy (Choice A) is not typically used for confirmation as it may not provide a definitive result. Multiple saline enemas (Choice C) are utilized in the treatment of meconium ileus, a complication of cystic fibrosis, and not in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube (Choice D) is not a diagnostic tool for Hirschsprung disease; it is commonly used for gastrointestinal decompression or feeding purposes but does not confirm the diagnosis.

4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Administering chemotherapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preventing infection. When caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy, the top priority is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections. By implementing infection control measures such as hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, and environmental cleanliness, the nurse can help protect the child from potentially life-threatening infections. Administering chemotherapy (choice B) is important but not the priority over preventing infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) and monitoring fluid intake (choice D) are essential aspects of care but take a back seat to preventing infection in this scenario.

5. How should a nurse prepare a 15-month-old child diagnosed with hydrocephalus for a computed tomography (CT) scan?

• A. Shaving the child's head
• B. Starting the prescribed IV infusion
• C. Administering the prescribed sedative
• D. Giving the child a simple explanation of the procedure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Preparing a toddler for a CT scan involves providing a simple explanation of the procedure to help reduce anxiety and fear. Shaving the child's head is unnecessary for a CT scan and may increase distress. Starting an IV infusion or administering sedatives may not be appropriate or necessary for all pediatric patients undergoing CT scans, especially if the child can cooperate without these interventions.

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