Nursing Elites

1. A 9-week-old infant is scheduled for cleft lip repair. Which information is most important for the nurse to convey to the surgeon before transporting the infant to the surgical suite?

• A. Red blood cell count of 2.3 million/mm³
• B. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds since birth
• D. Urine specific gravity is 1.011

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, which could pose risks during surgery. Anemia can affect oxygen delivery to tissues, impacting wound healing and overall surgical outcomes. The other options, such as white blood cell count, weight gain, and urine specific gravity, are less critical for immediate surgical considerations. White blood cell count is more related to infection risk postoperatively rather than immediate surgical risk. Weight gain reflects good overall growth but does not impact the immediate surgical situation. Urine specific gravity is more indicative of hydration status rather than immediate surgical risk.

2. The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who has been diagnosed with measles. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent the spread of infection?

• A. Administer antipyretics as prescribed
• B. Place the child in airborne isolation
• C. Encourage fluid intake
• D. Teach the parents about hand hygiene

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measles is an airborne infection, so placing the child in airborne isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Airborne isolation precautions help contain infectious respiratory droplets and reduce the risk of transmission to healthcare workers, other patients, and visitors. Administering antipyretics, encouraging fluid intake, and teaching parents about hand hygiene are important aspects of care but do not directly address the prevention of the spread of measles, which requires airborne precautions.

3. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a 6-month-old infant with heart failure. The healthcare provider notes that the infant’s heart rate is 90 beats per minute. What should the healthcare provider do next?

• A. Administer the medication as prescribed
• B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Reassess the heart rate in 30 minutes
• D. Administer half the prescribed dose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action is to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider. Digoxin should be withheld if the infant’s heart rate is below 100 beats per minute. Administering digoxin in this situation can further slow down the heart rate in infants with heart failure, leading to potential adverse effects. Reassessing the heart rate in 30 minutes is not the best immediate action to take, as prompt notification and withholding of the medication are crucial. Administering the medication as prescribed or giving half the dose can exacerbate the situation by potentially further lowering the heart rate.

4. When assessing a child with suspected meningitis, which finding is a characteristic sign of meningitis?

• A. High-pitched cry
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Photophobia
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Photophobia, which is sensitivity to light, is a characteristic sign of meningitis in children. It commonly presents along with symptoms such as headache and neck stiffness. This symptom is important to recognize early for prompt diagnosis and treatment of meningitis.

5. A child is recovering from an appendectomy. The parent asks when the child can resume normal activities. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The child can resume normal activities as soon as they feel up to it
• B. The child should avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks
• C. The child can resume normal activities after the stitches are removed
• D. The child should avoid all physical activities for the next month

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After an appendectomy, it is important for the child to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks to allow for proper healing. Resuming normal activities too soon can put unnecessary strain on the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

Similar Questions