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. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Administering chemotherapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy compromises the child's immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Preventing infection is crucial to avoid potential complications such as sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Administering chemotherapy is essential for treating ALL but preventing infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections associated with chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Providing nutritional support is important for overall health but preventing infections is more critical in this context. Monitoring fluid intake is significant, but the priority is to prevent infections that can have severe consequences in an immunocompromised child.

3. The nurse is teaching a father how to stimulate his 7-year-old son, who has a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. Which guidance will be most successful?

• A. Telling him to read stories to the child about famous athletes
• B. Suggesting he take the child to watch him play softball
• C. Urging him to sign the child up for little league football
• D. Proposing wrestling with the child and letting him win

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Reading stories to the child about famous athletes would be the most successful guidance for a child with a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. This approach allows for a less active and more acceptable way of engaging with the child, aligning better with the child's temperament. Choices B, C, and D involve more active and potentially overwhelming activities for a child with such a temperament, which may not be as effective in stimulating and engaging the child.

4. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.

5. A parent of a 2-year-old child tells a nurse at the clinic, 'Whenever I go to the store, my child has a screaming tantrum, demanding a toy or candy on the shelves. How can I deal with this situation?' What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Attempt to distract the child by offering a toy.”
• B. “Say nothing and allow the tantrum to continue until it ends.”
• C. “Have a babysitter stay with the child at home until the child outgrows this behavior.”
• D. “Give the child the item while in the store, and when the child loses interest, return the item to the shelf.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best approach in dealing with a child's tantrum is to not give in to their demands. By allowing the tantrum to continue until it ends, the child learns that this behavior is not effective in getting what they want. Offering a distraction (Choice A) might temporarily calm the child but does not address the underlying issue of the tantrum. Leaving the child with a babysitter (Choice C) does not teach the child how to handle such situations. Giving in to the child's demands (Choice D) reinforces the tantrum behavior.

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