Nursing Elites

1. A child with a diagnosis of appendicitis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Maintaining strict NPO status
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is maintaining strict NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This is crucial to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia induction and prevent potential complications during surgery. Administering antibiotics may be a part of the treatment plan but is not a preoperative intervention. Encouraging fluid intake is contraindicated preoperatively to avoid delays in surgery and complications related to anesthesia. Monitoring for signs of infection is important postoperatively to assess for any complications that may arise due to the surgical procedure.

2. A healthcare provider is preparing a 2-year-old child for surgery. What preoperative teaching should be provided to this child?

• A. Explaining the procedure in simple terms
• B. Using a doll to demonstrate the procedure
• C. Showing pictures of the hospital environment
• D. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a doll to demonstrate the procedure is the most appropriate preoperative teaching method for a 2-year-old child. It helps them understand what to expect in a non-threatening way by providing a visual representation of the upcoming surgery. Explaining the procedure in simple terms may be too abstract for a child of this age, as they may not fully comprehend verbal explanations. Showing pictures of the hospital environment may not be as effective as using a doll, as it may not provide a concrete understanding of the actual procedure. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment is unsafe and does not adequately prepare them for the surgery, as it may lead to misunderstandings or fear regarding the equipment's actual use during the surgery.

3. A child with a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting is being cared for by a nurse. What does the nurse consider to be the major characteristic of this type of congenital disorder?

• A. Elevated hematocrit
• B. Severe growth retardation
• C. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
• D. Increased blood flow to the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major characteristic of a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting is increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a typical characteristic of this condition. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions involving chronic hypoxia.

4. During a primary survey of a child with partial thickness burns over the upper body areas, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Inspect the child's skin color.
• B. Assess for a patent airway.
• C. Observe for symmetric breathing.
• D. Palpate the child's pulse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for a patent airway. When dealing with a child who has sustained partial thickness burns, the priority is ensuring a patent airway due to the risk of respiratory compromise. Checking the child's skin color (choice A) may be important but is secondary to assessing the airway. While observing for symmetric breathing (choice C) is crucial, assessing the airway takes precedence in this situation. Palpating the child's pulse (choice D) is not the initial priority when managing burns and potential airway compromise.

5. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

• A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
• B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
• C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
• D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.' Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects as they help conserve the infant’s energy by eliminating the need for sucking, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac issues. Choice A is incorrect because gavage feedings are not primarily used to limit vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of administration is not the main reason for gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect because the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the primary rationale for gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.

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