Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. After an infant has had corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), what should the nurse teach a parent to do immediately after a feeding to limit vomiting?

• A. Rock the infant.
• B. Place the infant in an infant seat.
• C. Place the infant flat on the right side.
• D. Keep the infant awake with sensory stimulation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Placing the infant in an infant seat is essential after feeding to help keep the head elevated and reduce the risk of vomiting. This position helps prevent regurgitation of formula or milk. Rocking the infant (Choice A) is incorrect because it may exacerbate vomiting due to the movement. Placing the infant flat on the right side (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not promote proper digestion and can increase the risk of vomiting. Keeping the infant awake with sensory stimulation (Choice D) is incorrect as it does not directly address the physiological need to reduce vomiting after feeding.

3. After a discussion with the healthcare provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
• B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
• C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
• D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. In a fetus, the ductus arteriosus is a normal connection between these two vessels, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. However, it should close shortly after birth. When it remains open (patent), it leads to PDA. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately describe PDA. Choice A describes an enlarged aorta, choice B describes a ventricular septal defect, and choice C describes pulmonary stenosis, which are different cardiac conditions.

4. While waiting for the administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, the boy passes a normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. notify the practitioner
• B. measure abdominal girth
• C. auscultate for bowel sounds
• D. take vital signs, including blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the practitioner. The passage of a normal brown stool in a child with intussusception could indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. It is crucial to inform the practitioner immediately so that they can reassess the situation and determine the next steps, which may include adjusting the planned intervention. Measuring abdominal girth (choice B) may be important in assessing for abdominal distension but is not the most immediate action required in this scenario. Auscultating for bowel sounds (choice C) is a routine nursing assessment but does not take precedence over notifying the practitioner in this critical situation. Taking vital signs, including blood pressure (choice D), is also important but notifying the practitioner is more urgent to address the unexpected change in the patient's condition.

5. When teaching a group of parents in the daycare center about accident prevention, the nurse explains that young toddlers are prone to injuries from falls. When receiving feedback, the nurse identifies that more teaching is needed when one parent states, 'I will:'

• A. keep medications in a medicine cabinet.
• B. have secured gates at entrances to staircases.
• C. move our child to a regular bed by the age of three.
• D. buy shoes that fasten with Velcro rather than laces.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Moving a child to a regular bed by the age of three can increase the risk of falls as young toddlers may not have the motor skills to safely navigate a larger bed. This indicates a need for more teaching on safety measures. Choices A, B, and D are all appropriate safety measures that can help prevent accidents and injuries in young children. Keeping medications in a medicine cabinet, having secured gates at entrances to staircases, and choosing shoes that fasten with Velcro instead of laces are all good practices to ensure a safe environment for toddlers.

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