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. When preparing a 2-year-old child for surgery, what preoperative teaching should be provided to help them understand the procedure?

• 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: The correct preoperative teaching for a 2-year-old child undergoing surgery involves using a doll to demonstrate the procedure. This method helps the child understand what to expect in a non-threatening and visual way, making the experience less intimidating. Explaining the procedure in simple terms (Choice A) may not effectively convey the details to a young child. Showing pictures of the hospital environment (Choice C) may not directly address the surgical procedure itself. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment (Choice D) can be unsafe and may not effectively prepare the child for the surgery.

3. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Monitoring fluid intake
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the priority nursing intervention is administering pain medication to alleviate the severe pain associated with the crisis. While administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation, pain relief is crucial in managing the crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the most immediate intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

4. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.

5. What is the priority nursing responsibility when a 3-year-old child in a crib has a clamped jaw and is having a tonic-clonic seizure?

• A. Apply restraints.
• B. Administer oxygen.
• C. Protect the child from self-injury.
• D. Insert a plastic airway in the child’s mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing responsibility is to protect the child from self-injury. Applying restraints is not recommended during a seizure as it can lead to further harm. Administering oxygen may be necessary after the seizure to support oxygenation, but it is not the priority during the seizure itself. Inserting a plastic airway is also not indicated as the jaw is clamped, and the child should not have anything placed in the mouth during a seizure. Therefore, the correct action is to ensure the child's safety by protecting them from self-injury, preventing harm from uncontrolled movements and potential falls.

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