Nursing Elites

1. A child is being treated for dehydration with intravenous fluids. The child currently weighs 13 kg and is estimated to have lost 7% of his normal body weight. The nurse is double-checking the IV rate the healthcare provider prescribed. The formula the healthcare provider used was for maintenance fluids: 1000 mL for 10 kg of body weight plus 50 mL for every kilogram over 10 for 24 hours. Replacement fluid is the percentage of lost body weight � 10 per kg of body weight. According to the calculation for maintenance plus replacement fluid, which hourly IV rate will the nurse implement for 24 hours?

• A. 88 mL/hr
• B. 86 mL/hr
• C. 81 mL/hr
• D. 83 mL/hr

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For 13 kg, the maintenance fluid is 1150 mL (1000 mL for first 10 kg + 3*50 mL for the remaining 3 kg). Replacement fluid is 910 mL (0.07 * 13000 mL). Total fluid is 2060 mL, divided by 24 hours is 86 mL/hr.

2. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

3. The caregiver is teaching a parent of a young child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder. The child is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) for control of seizures. Which parental statement indicates the need for further education?

• A. I will not use carbonated beverages to dilute his medication.
• B. I will give his medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• C. I will not let him chew his tablet.
• D. I will bring him to the physician's office for regular blood work to check his blood levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Valproic acid should be administered with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Giving it on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. The other statements are correct: A - Carbonated beverages should not be used to dilute the medication, C - The tablet should not be chewed, and D - Regular blood work is necessary to monitor valproic acid levels and potential side effects.

4. A patient in the emergency department reports taking sildenafil (Viagra) and nitroglycerin 1 hr before sexual activity. Which finding should the nurse immediately report to the physician?

• A. WBC of 3200 cells/mm³
• B. RR of 26 breaths/min
• C. Temp of 38°C
• D. BP of 70/50

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: BP of 70/50. When sildenafil (Viagra) is taken with nitroglycerin, it can cause severe hypotension that is unresponsive to treatment. The combination of these medications can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is crucial to immediately report hypotension in this scenario as it poses a significant risk to the patient's life. It is recommended to allow at least 24 hours to elapse between the last dose of sildenafil and nitroglycerin to prevent such adverse effects. The other vital signs and lab values may be abnormal but do not have the immediate life-threatening implications that severe hypotension does in this context.

5. What is the priority nursing intervention when caring for a neonate born with bladder exstrophy?

• A. Measuring intake and output
• B. Inserting a Foley catheter
• C. Covering the defect with sterile plastic wrap
• D. Palpating the bladder mass to ensure urine is expelled

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a neonate born with bladder exstrophy is to cover the defect with sterile plastic wrap. This intervention helps prevent infection and maintains a moist environment, promoting optimal healing and reducing the risk of complications.

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