Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the arms and legs. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer prescribed pain medication
• B. Apply warm compresses to the affected areas
• C. Encourage the child to drink fluids
• D. Monitor the child’s oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, pain management is a priority due to the severe pain experienced by the child. Administering prescribed pain medication is crucial to alleviate the pain and provide comfort to the child. Once pain is controlled, other comfort measures like applying warm compresses and encouraging fluid intake can be implemented. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but not the priority action when dealing with severe pain in a sickle cell crisis.

2. 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.

3. In a hospitalized child receiving IV fluids for dehydration, what is the best indicator that the child’s dehydration is improving?

• A. The child’s urine output increases
• B. The child’s skin turgor is normal
• C. The child’s weight increases
• D. The child’s vital signs are stable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator of improving dehydration in a child. It signifies that the kidneys are functioning better, helping to restore fluid balance in the body. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing hydration status and response to treatment. Choices B, C, and D are not the best indicators of improving dehydration. Normal skin turgor is helpful but may not change immediately with improving hydration. Weight increase may reflect retained fluids rather than improved hydration status. Stable vital signs are important but may not always indicate improving dehydration.

4. When observing a distraught mother scolding her 3-year-old son for wetting his pants in the hallway of a pediatric unit, what initial action should the nurse take?

• A. Suggest that the mother consult a pediatric nephrologist.
• B. Provide disposable training pants while calming the mother.
• C. Refer the mother to a community parent education program.
• D. Inform the mother that toilet training is slower for boys.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse's initial action should be to provide disposable training pants to manage the immediate issue of wetting while also calming the mother. This approach addresses the current distressing situation and offers a practical solution to alleviate the mother's concerns.

5. The practical nurse is caring for a child who has just returned from surgery for an appendectomy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage early ambulation.
• B. Apply warm compresses to the incision site.
• C. Monitor for signs of infection at the surgical site.
• D. Provide a high-fiber diet immediately post-op.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site is crucial after an appendectomy as it helps in early detection and treatment of any potential complications. This intervention is essential for ensuring the child's proper healing and recovery post-surgery. Encouraging early ambulation is generally beneficial post-operatively but may not be the priority immediately after an appendectomy. Applying warm compresses to the incision site may not be indicated as it can increase the risk of infection. Providing a high-fiber diet immediately post-op is not recommended as the digestive system needs time to recover from surgery.

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