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. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Recognition of the parents
• B. Fright at the EMT-B's presence
• C. Lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
• D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT-B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In small children, altered mental status can manifest as a lack of attention to the presence of unfamiliar individuals, such as the EMT-B. This lack of engagement may indicate confusion, disorientation, or impaired cognitive function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as recognizing parents, exhibiting fear, or maintaining consistent eye contact do not necessarily indicate altered mental status. Recognizing parents is a normal response, fear can be a typical reaction to unfamiliar situations, and making eye contact may be a sign of curiosity or comfort rather than a reflection of mental status.

3. What should the nurse include in the care plan for a 6-month-old infant admitted with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

• A. Provide small, frequent feedings
• B. Administer antibiotics
• C. Maintain strict isolation
• D. Elevate the head of the bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed is crucial in the care plan for an infant with RSV as it helps improve breathing by facilitating better airflow and drainage of secretions. This position can also enhance comfort and reduce respiratory distress. Providing small, frequent feedings (Choice A) is generally beneficial for infants but is not specific to managing RSV. Administering antibiotics (Choice B) is not indicated for RSV as it is caused by a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Maintaining strict isolation (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of contagious infections but is not a direct intervention for improving the infant's respiratory status in RSV.

4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)?

• A. Encouraging a diet high in protein
• B. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• C. Applying heat to affected joints
• D. Providing range-of-motion exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is to administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs help manage pain and inflammation associated with JIA, making them crucial in providing relief to the child. Encouraging a diet high in protein (Choice A) may be beneficial for overall health but is not the priority in managing JIA symptoms. Applying heat to affected joints (Choice C) can provide comfort but does not address the underlying inflammation. Providing range-of-motion exercises (Choice D) is important for maintaining joint mobility but is not the priority intervention when managing acute symptoms of JIA.

5. A child with suspected Kawasaki disease is being assessed. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Generalized rash
• B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• C. High fever
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peeling skin on the hands and feet is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Kawasaki disease, known as desquamation. This occurs during the convalescent phase of the illness, typically around 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. While a generalized rash can be present in Kawasaki disease, peeling skin on the hands and feet is a more specific and distinctive feature. High fever is also a common symptom of Kawasaki disease, usually lasting for at least 5 days, while a low-grade fever is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the nurse is more likely to observe peeling skin on the hands and feet in a child suspected of having Kawasaki disease, making option B the correct choice.

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