Nursing Elites

1. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?

• A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and then remove for 60 minutes.
• B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
• C. May take an NSAID for pain as needed.
• D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a sprained ankle is to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, then remove for 60 minutes to prevent tissue damage. This regimen helps reduce swelling and pain. Bed rest with the leg elevated for an extended period (36 hours) may lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. While NSAIDs can be used for pain, they may not be necessary if pain is manageable with ice and rest. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours continuously may impede proper circulation and delay healing by restricting blood flow.

2. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor for signs of bleeding
• C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
• D. Monitor for signs of pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy is to monitor for signs of infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, putting the child at a higher risk of developing infections. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (choice B), dehydration (choice C), and pain (choice D) are also important aspects of care, but in this scenario, the priority is to prevent and manage infections due to the compromised immune system.

3. A child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child has coarctation of the aorta, the nurse would expect to identify a weak radial pulse when taking the child's vital signs. Coarctation of the aorta results in a narrowing of the aorta, leading to reduced blood flow and a weakened pulse. An irregular heartbeat (Choice B) is less likely to be associated with coarctation of the aorta. Similarly, a bounding femoral pulse (Choice C) is not typically observed with this condition. An elevated radial blood pressure (Choice D) is less common as coarctation of the aorta usually causes decreased blood pressure in the lower extremities due to the aortic narrowing.

4. While performing a visual inspection of a 30-year-old woman in active labor, you can see the umbilical cord at the vaginal opening. After providing high concentration oxygen, what should you do next?

• A. massage the uterus to facilitate delivery of the fetus
• B. relieve pressure from the cord with your gloved fingers
• C. place the mother on her left side and provide rapid transport
• D. elevate the mother's lower extremities and provide immediate transport

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, the priority is to relieve pressure from the umbilical cord protruding from the vaginal opening by gently pushing it back inside using your gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression, maintains blood flow to the fetus, and ensures fetal oxygenation. Massaging the uterus (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it can potentially worsen the cord compression. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport (Choice C) can be considered after relieving the pressure on the cord. Elevating the mother's lower extremities and providing immediate transport (Choice D) is not the correct approach when dealing with a visible umbilical cord; instead, the focus should be on relieving pressure from the cord to prevent fetal compromise.

5. What explanation should the nurse provide to the parents of a 6-month-old infant diagnosed with cystic fibrosis?

• A. It is a condition affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
• B. It is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs.
• C. It is a genetic disorder that can be managed with medication.
• D. It is a condition caused by prenatal exposure to toxins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It results in the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. This explanation is crucial for parents to understand the impact of the condition on their child's health. Choice B is incorrect because cystic fibrosis is not an autoimmune disorder. Choice C is partially correct in that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, but it requires a comprehensive management approach beyond just medication. Choice D is incorrect as cystic fibrosis is not caused by prenatal exposure to toxins but rather by inheriting specific genetic mutations.

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