Nursing Elites

1. A child sitting on a chair in a playroom starts to have a tonic-clonic seizure with a clenched jaw. What is the nurse’s best initial action?

• A. Attempt to open the jaw.
• B. Place the child on the floor.
• C. Call out for assistance from staff.
• D. Place a pillow under the child’s head.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action during a tonic-clonic seizure is to place the child on the floor. This action helps prevent injury by providing a safe environment and allows for better management of the seizure episode. Attempting to open the jaw is not recommended as it may cause harm to the child or the nurse. Calling out for assistance is important but should not delay ensuring the child's safety first. Placing a pillow under the child's head is not advisable during a seizure as it can pose a risk of suffocation or choking.

2. Following corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), an infant is returned to the pediatric unit with an IV infusion in place. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Apply adequate restraints.
• B. Administer a mild sedative.
• C. Assess the IV site for infiltration.
• D. Attach the nasogastric tube to wall suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is to assess the IV site for infiltration. This is crucial to ensure proper fluid administration and prevent complications such as extravasation or infiltration. Applying restraints (Choice A) is not indicated in this scenario and can compromise the infant's comfort and safety. Administering a mild sedative (Choice B) is not necessary and should only be done based on specific clinical indications. Attaching the nasogastric tube to wall suction (Choice D) may be important for certain conditions but is not the priority immediately post-surgery; assessing the IV site is more urgent to prevent potential complications related to IV therapy.

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. A child who had surgery for a congenital heart defect is being discharged. What is an important aspect of the discharge teaching?

• A. Teaching the parents about signs of infection
• B. Providing instructions on wound care
• C. Scheduling follow-up appointments
• D. Explaining the use of prescribed medications

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Explaining the use of prescribed medications is crucial as it helps ensure the proper management of the child's condition post-discharge. Understanding how and when to administer medications is essential for the child's recovery. While teaching the parents about signs of infection, providing wound care instructions, and scheduling follow-up appointments are also important aspects of care, ensuring the correct use of prescribed medications takes precedence to prevent complications and promote the child's well-being.

5. What clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot should the nurse expect when caring for children with this diagnosis?

• A. Slow respirations
• B. Clubbing of fingers
• C. Decreased RBC counts
• D. Subcutaneous hemorrhages

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clubbing of fingers. Clubbing of fingers is a common manifestation in children with tetralogy of Fallot due to chronic hypoxia. This condition causes the fingertips and nails to enlarge, creating a bulbous or club-like appearance. Slow respirations (Choice A) are not a typical clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot. Decreased RBC counts (Choice C) may be seen in conditions like anemia but are not specific to tetralogy of Fallot. Subcutaneous hemorrhages (Choice D) are not a characteristic clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot.

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