Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with nephrotic syndrome. The nurse notes that the child has gained 3 pounds in the past 24 hours. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer a diuretic as prescribed
• B. Restrict the child’s fluid intake
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Measure the child’s abdominal girth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with nephrotic syndrome experiencing sudden weight gain, the priority action for the nurse is to notify the healthcare provider. This weight gain could indicate worsening edema or fluid retention, necessitating immediate medical evaluation and intervention. The healthcare provider can conduct a comprehensive assessment, order necessary tests, and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Administering a diuretic, restricting fluid intake, or measuring abdominal girth should not be initiated without healthcare provider consultation to ensure appropriate management of the child's condition.

2. A mother brings her 8-month-old baby boy to the clinic because he has been vomiting and having diarrhea for the last 3 days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to make?

• A. Assess the infant's abdomen for tenderness
• B. Determine if the infant has been exposed to a virus
• C. Measure the infant’s pulse
• D. Evaluate the infant’s cry

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial assessment in this scenario is to measure the infant's pulse. Pulse measurement is essential to evaluate the severity of dehydration, which can be a significant concern in a baby experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Assessing the abdomen for tenderness may provide information on potential causes of symptoms but is not as urgent as monitoring hydration status. Determining exposure to a virus is important for infection control but does not directly address the immediate issue of dehydration. Evaluating the infant's cry, although a form of communication, does not provide critical information regarding the baby's physiological status in this situation.

3. The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old adolescent who was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The adolescent’s mood appears stable, and the healthcare provider has recommended discharge. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge
• B. Provide education about medication adherence
• C. Encourage the adolescent to participate in group therapy
• D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with a mental health professional

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge. A safety plan is essential to assist the adolescent in managing future crises and decreasing the likelihood of another suicide attempt. It provides guidance on coping strategies and resources to help the adolescent stay safe in times of distress.

4. The caregiver is being educated by a healthcare provider about the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for their 8-year-old child with asthma. Which statement by the caregiver indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will shake the inhaler before each use
• B. My child should breathe in quickly after pressing the inhaler
• C. I should wait a minute between puffs
• D. We should use a spacer with the inhaler

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The caregiver should be informed that the child should breathe in slowly and deeply after pressing the inhaler. This allows for better medication delivery to the lungs and ensures optimal effectiveness of the treatment.

5. Which developmental behavior should the practical nurse identify as normal for a 6-month-old infant?

• A. Rolls over completely.
• B. Creeps on all fours.
• C. Pulls self to a standing position.
• D. Assumes a sitting position independently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Rolls over completely.' By 6 months of age, infants typically achieve the milestone of rolling over completely. This ability demonstrates increasing strength and coordination. Creeping on all fours, pulling self to a standing position, and assuming a sitting position independently are skills that are usually developed at later stages of infancy. Creeping usually occurs around 9-10 months, pulling self to a standing position around 9-12 months, and assuming a sitting position independently around 8 months. Therefore, at 6 months, rolling over completely is the most expected developmental behavior.

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