Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old child with a history of asthma presents to the clinic with shortness of breath and wheezing. The nurse notes that the child’s peak flow reading is in the red zone. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Reassess the peak flow reading
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Provide oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child with asthma presents with shortness of breath and wheezing, and the peak flow reading is in the red zone, indicating severe airflow limitation, the priority intervention is to administer a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help dilate the airways quickly, improving airflow and assisting with breathing. Reassessing the peak flow reading is important but not the first action to take in a severe asthma exacerbation. Notifying the healthcare provider can be done after initiating immediate treatment with a bronchodilator. Providing oxygen therapy may be needed in some cases, but addressing the airway constriction with a bronchodilator should come first to improve ventilation.

2. A 6-year-old child with a history of asthma is brought to the clinic with complaints of wheezing and shortness of breath. The nurse notes that the child is using accessory muscles to breathe. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Obtain a peak flow reading
• C. Apply oxygen
• D. Perform a complete respiratory assessment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the initial priority as it helps open the child's airways, reducing the wheezing and shortness of breath. This intervention aims to provide immediate relief and improve the child's respiratory distress. Obtaining a peak flow reading or applying oxygen may be necessary after administering the bronchodilator, but the priority is to address the acute symptoms of wheezing and shortness of breath first. Performing a complete respiratory assessment can be done after the immediate intervention of administering the bronchodilator to further evaluate the child's respiratory status.

3. A 14-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is participating in a school sports event. The nurse provides education to the client about managing blood glucose levels during physical activity. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should check my blood sugar before and after exercise
• B. I need to eat a snack before I start playing
• C. If my blood sugar is high, I should skip my insulin dose before exercise
• D. I should carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with me during sports

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Skipping the insulin dose when blood sugar is high before exercise can be harmful. It is essential to manage blood glucose levels carefully during physical activity, which may require adjustments to insulin doses but skipping doses is not recommended. Checking blood sugar before and after exercise (Choice A) helps in monitoring and managing blood glucose levels. Eating a snack before playing (Choice B) can help maintain blood sugar levels during physical activity. Carrying a fast-acting carbohydrate (Choice D) is important in case of low blood sugar during sports to quickly raise glucose levels. Therefore, the client needs further teaching on the importance of not skipping insulin doses even if blood sugar is high before exercise.

4. The mother of an 11-year-old boy with juvenile arthritis tells the nurse, 'I really don't want my son to become dependent on pain medication, so I only allow him to take it when he is really hurting.' Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this mother?

• A. The child should be encouraged to rest when experiencing pain
• B. Encourage quiet activities such as reading as a pain distracter
• C. The use of hot baths can be used as an alternative to pain medication
• D. Giving pain medication around the clock helps control the pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to educate the mother that giving pain medication around the clock helps manage pain effectively and improves the child's quality of life. This approach ensures a more consistent level of pain relief and prevents the pain from becoming severe, which can be more challenging to manage. Choices A, B, and C do not address the importance of consistent pain management and may not provide adequate relief for the child's condition.

5. A 2-week-old female infant is hospitalized for the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia. After returning to the postoperative neonatal unit, her RR and HR have increased during the last hour. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider of these findings
• B. Administer a PRN analgesic as prescribed
• C. Document the findings in the infant's medical record
• D. Comfort the infant by swaddling and gently rocking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a postoperative neonatal setting, an increase in respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) in an infant could indicate pain or distress. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the infant's condition and provide appropriate interventions. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider ensures timely evaluation and management of the infant's discomfort or distress, promoting optimal postoperative recovery and comfort. Administering analgesics without healthcare provider assessment could mask underlying issues, documenting findings alone does not address the immediate need for intervention, and comforting may not resolve the underlying cause of increased RR and HR.

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