Nursing Elites

1. A 9-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a fever, rash, and swollen joints. The nurse notes that the child had a sore throat two weeks ago that was not treated. What condition should the nurse suspect?

• A. Scarlet fever
• B. Rheumatic fever
• C. Kawasaki disease
• D. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the child's symptoms of fever, rash, and swollen joints following an untreated sore throat two weeks ago are indicative of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal infections, leading to systemic inflammation and affecting various organs, including the joints. This condition manifests with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen joints, aligning with the child's presentation in this case. Scarlet fever typically presents with a sandpapery rash and strawberry tongue but does not involve joint inflammation. Kawasaki disease presents with fever, rash, and mucous membrane changes but does not typically involve joint swelling. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint swelling but is not directly linked to a recent untreated sore throat.

2. A 12-year-old male is brought to the clinic after falling during a skateboarding trick. The child's vital signs are heart rate 135 beats/minute, respirations 20 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 90/60. Which finding should the practical nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. The client complains of his back being sore.
• B. Capillary refill is less than 2 seconds.
• C. Blood pressure is 94/68.
• D. Peripheral pulses are weak and rapid.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 12-year-old male with a heart rate of 135 beats/minute, respirations of 20 breaths/minute, and blood pressure of 90/60 after falling during a skateboarding trick exhibits signs of shock. Weak and rapid peripheral pulses are concerning as they may indicate decreased cardiac output and tissue perfusion, which are signs of shock. This finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention to prevent potential complications. The other choices are less urgent. Complaints of back soreness (choice A) could be related to musculoskeletal injury. Capillary refill less than 2 seconds (choice B) is within the normal range, indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. A blood pressure of 94/68 (choice C) is slightly higher than the initial reading and may be compensatory in response to the fall and shock state.

3. A child with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) who is receiving chemotherapy via a subclavian IV infusion has an oral temperature of 103 degrees. In assessing the IV site, the nurse determines that there are no signs of infection at the site. Which intervention is the most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Obtain a specimen for blood cultures.
• B. Assess the CBC.
• C. Monitor the oral temperature every hour.
• D. Administer acetaminophen as prescribed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Obtaining a specimen for blood cultures is crucial in this situation as it helps identify the source of infection, if present, and guide appropriate treatment. This is important in a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy to prevent potential complications and ensure timely intervention. Assessing the CBC may provide overall information on the child's condition but may not specifically identify a potential infection. Monitoring the oral temperature is important but obtaining blood cultures takes precedence in this scenario. Administering acetaminophen can help reduce fever but does not address the need to identify a possible infection source.

4. A male infant with bronchiolitis is brought to the clinic by his mother. The infant is congested and febrile with a capillary refill of 2 seconds. Which information should the nurse discuss with the mother?

• A. Encourage the infant to play
• B. Limit the amount of oral intake
• C. Keep the infant isolated from others
• D. Place the infant on their back for naps

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bronchiolitis is a highly contagious respiratory infection commonly caused by viruses. Isolating the infant from others is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to other vulnerable individuals, especially those with weakened immune systems. Encouraging play may not be appropriate as the infant is sick and needs rest. Limiting oral intake might be necessary if the infant is having difficulty swallowing due to respiratory distress. Placing the infant on their back for naps is a safe sleep practice but not the priority in this situation where preventing transmission of the infection is crucial.

5. A 3-year-old with HIV infection is staying with a foster family who is caring for 3 other foster children in their home. When one of the children acquires pertussis, the foster mother calls the clinic and asks the nurse what she should do. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Remove the child who has HIV from the foster home.
• B. Report the exposure of the child with HIV to the health department.
• C. Place the child who has HIV in reverse isolation.
• D. Review the immunization documentation of the child who has HIV.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to review the immunization documentation of the child with HIV to ensure they have received the necessary vaccines. This step is crucial in protecting the child's health and preventing further complications from vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis. By reviewing the immunization documentation first, the nurse can determine the child's protection against pertussis and other infectious diseases. Removing the child from the foster home (Choice A) may not be necessary if the child is adequately vaccinated. Reporting the exposure to the health department (Choice B) and placing the child in reverse isolation (Choice C) are important steps but reviewing the immunization status takes precedence to assess the child's protection and guide further actions.

Similar Questions