Nursing Elites

1. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Platelets
• D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.

2. A parent calls the hospital nursing hotline and asks, 'My 8-week-old infant cries 8 hours a day, and is hard to console. Is that normal?' What should the nurse's response be to this parent?

• A. No, call your health care provider.
• B. Let me ask you some more questions to see if there are symptoms of colic.
• C. Yes, maybe your infant is just tired.
• D. Yes, infants cry all the time at that age.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse to provide in this situation is to ask more questions to determine if the infant is displaying symptoms of colic. Colic is a common condition in infants that can lead to prolonged crying and fussiness. It is essential to assess for other symptoms before giving advice to the parent. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the possibility of colic or the need for further assessment of the infant's condition.

3. A child who has just had definitive repair of a high rectal malformation is to be discharged. What should the nurse address in the discharge preparation of this family?

• A. Safe administration of daily enemas
• B. Necessity of firm stools to keep suture line clean
• C. Bowel training beginning as soon as the child returns home
• D. Changes in stooling patterns to report to the practitioner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care should focus on monitoring changes in stooling patterns, which could indicate complications such as stenosis or obstruction. It is crucial to educate the family on the importance of promptly reporting any changes in stooling patterns to the healthcare provider. Options A and B are not recommended unless specifically ordered by the physician as they can potentially cause harm or discomfort postoperatively. Option C may not be appropriate immediately after surgery and should be guided by the healthcare provider's recommendations.

4. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

5. What is a common significant side effect of opioid administration?

• A. Euphoria
• B. Diuresis
• C. Constipation
• D. Allergic reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Constipation is one of the most common side effects of opioid administration due to the slowing down of gastrointestinal motility. Opioids affect the bowel movements, leading to constipation. Euphoria, while a possible effect, is less common than constipation. Diuresis is not a typical side effect of opioids; instead, urinary retention may occur. Allergic reactions are rare side effects of opioids, with symptoms such as rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.

Similar Questions