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. An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?

• A. Cellular metabolism is unstable in young children.
• B. The proportion of water in the body is less than in adults.
• C. Renal function is immature in children until they reach school age.
• D. The extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight is greater than in adults.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect as cellular metabolism instability does not directly relate to the infant's condition described. Choice B is inaccurate as the proportion of water in the body is not the primary issue causing the infant's symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as renal function being immature does not explain the sudden change in the infant's health status; it is more related to fluid balance and dehydration.

3. 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.

4. A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid spicy foods
• B. Avoid gluten
• C. Avoid high-fat foods
• D. Avoid dairy products

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct dietary instruction for a 2-year-old child with GERD is to avoid gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that can worsen GERD symptoms. Avoiding gluten can help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the esophagus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because spicy foods, high-fat foods, and dairy products can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Spicy foods can irritate the esophagus, high-fat foods delay stomach emptying leading to increased acid reflux, and dairy products can stimulate acid production, all of which can worsen GERD symptoms.

5. A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a suspected fracture. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Immobilize the affected limb
• B. Apply ice to the affected area
• C. Elevate the affected limb
• D. Check the child's neurovascular status

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action when a child with a suspected fracture is brought to the emergency department is to immobilize the affected limb. Immobilization helps prevent further injury until a fracture is confirmed or ruled out. Applying ice or elevating the limb may be necessary interventions but should come after immobilizing the limb. Checking the child's neurovascular status is important but should follow immobilization to ensure no further harm is done during the assessment.

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