Nursing Elites

1. A child with a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering insulin
• B. Monitoring fluid balance
• C. Administering diuretics
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct priority nursing intervention for a child diagnosed with diabetes insipidus is to monitor fluid balance. Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterized by excessive urination and thirst, which can lead to dehydration. Monitoring fluid balance is essential to prevent dehydration and ensure the child's hydration status remains stable. Administering insulin (Choice A) is not indicated in diabetes insipidus because it is a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, not the pancreas. Administering diuretics (Choice C) would exacerbate fluid loss in a child already at risk for dehydration. Monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important but not the priority when compared to maintaining fluid balance in a child with diabetes insipidus.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an oral medication to a 4-year-old child. What is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation?

• A. Explain the importance of the medication to the child
• B. Allow the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication
• C. Offer a reward after the medication is taken
• D. Give the medication mixed with a small amount of the child's favorite food

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication is the best approach to gain cooperation. This strategy can help distract and calm the child during the medication administration process. Choice A may not be as effective with a young child who may not fully understand the explanation. Offering a reward (choice C) may reinforce negative behavior and create a dependency on rewards for cooperation. Giving the medication with food (choice D) may not always be appropriate and may not address the cooperation aspect.

3. A nurse is developing a teaching plan for an 8-year-old child who has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What developmental characteristic of a child this age should the nurse consider?

• A. Child is in the concrete operational stage of cognition.
• B. Child’s dependence on peer influence is increasing.
• C. Child will welcome opportunities for participation in self-care.
• D. Child’s developmental stage involves achieving a sense of autonomy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. At the age of 8, children are typically in the stage of industry vs. inferiority according to Erikson's psychosocial theory. This stage is characterized by a desire to engage in productive activities and take on responsibilities. Thus, the child will likely welcome opportunities for participation in self-care related to their diabetes management. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate as children at this age are usually in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development, not abstract. Choice B is incorrect because while peer influence is significant, it has not reached its peak at this age. Choice D is wrong as achieving a sense of identity is a developmental task more commonly associated with adolescence, not 8-year-old children.

4. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation between acyanotic and cyanotic defects. Choice A is incorrect because the system is not solely based on explaining hemodynamics. Choice B is incorrect because the classification is not based on the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects. Choice C is incorrect because cyanosis can indeed be present in children with congenital heart defects, especially acyanotic defects that may lead to cyanosis under certain circumstances.

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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