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 an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

3. The nurse is counseling a young couple who in 2 months are having their third baby. The nurse uses Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families to analyze the family structure. Which best describes the main emphasis of this theory and its application to family dynamics?

• A. It emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components.
• B. It emphasizes the social system of the family, such as the organization or structure of the family and how the structure relates to its function.
• C. It emphasizes the developmental stages that all families go through, beginning with marriage; the longitudinal career of the family is also known as the family life cycle.
• D. It addresses how families respond to stress and how the family copes with stress as a group and how each individual member copes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components. This theory focuses on viewing the family as a dynamic system where each member's actions and behaviors impact the whole family unit. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the social system of the family, while Von Bertalanffy's theory looks at the family as a whole system. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses family developmental stages, which is not the main emphasis of Von Bertalanffy's theory. Choice D is also incorrect as it only addresses how families respond to stress, which is a narrower focus compared to the broader system view of Von Bertalanffy's theory.

4. A 12-month-old infant has become immunosuppressed during a course of chemotherapy. When preparing the parents for the infant’s discharge, what information should the nurse give concerning the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization?

• A. It should not be given until the infant reaches 2 years of age.
• B. Infants who are receiving chemotherapy should not be given these vaccines.
• C. It should be given to protect the infant from contracting any of these diseases.
• D. The parents should discuss this with their health care provider at the next visit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Live vaccines like MMR should not be given to immunosuppressed infants because their weakened immune systems may not handle the vaccine safely. Choice A is incorrect as delaying the MMR vaccine until the infant reaches 2 years of age does not address the issue of immunosuppression. Choice C is incorrect because administering live vaccines to an immunosuppressed individual could lead to serious complications. Choice D is incorrect as immediate action is required to prevent potential harm to the immunosuppressed infant.

5. A 13-year-old girl tells the nurse at the pediatric clinic that she took a pregnancy test and it was positive. She adds that her grandfather, with whom she, her younger sisters, and her mother live, has repeatedly molested her for the past 3 years. When the nurse asks the girl if she has told this to anyone, she replies, 'Yes, but my mother doesn’t believe me.' Legally, who should the nurse notify?

• A. Police regarding a possible sex crime
• B. Healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy
• C. Child Protective Services for immediate intervention
• D. Girl’s mother about the positive pregnancy test result

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify Child Protective Services for immediate intervention. The girl disclosed ongoing sexual abuse by her grandfather, which is a serious concern requiring immediate protection and intervention by the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services are trained to handle cases of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of the child. While notifying the police about a possible sex crime is crucial, Child Protective Services should be the first point of contact in cases of suspected child abuse due to their specialized role. Confirming the pregnancy through a healthcare provider is not the priority at this moment, as ensuring the safety of the child is paramount. Informing the girl's mother about the positive test result is not appropriate given the lack of belief in the abuse disclosure and the potential risk to the child's safety.

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