Nursing Elites

1. A child with sickle cell anemia develops severe chest pain, fever, a cough, and dyspnea. The nurse's first action is to

• A. administer 100% oxygen to relieve hypoxia
• B. administer pain medication to relieve symptoms
• C. notify the practitioner because chest syndrome is suspected
• D. notify the practitioner because the child may be having a stroke

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing severe chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea, the priority action is to suspect acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication. The nurse's first action should be to notify the practitioner for immediate evaluation and intervention. Administering 100% oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the initial priority. Administering pain medication (Choice B) should not precede notifying the practitioner, as addressing the underlying cause is crucial. The symptoms described are more indicative of acute chest syndrome than a stroke, so notifying the practitioner for chest syndrome (Choice C) takes precedence over suspecting a stroke (Choice D).

2. The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have his cast removed. What instruction would the nurse most likely include?

• A. Applying petroleum jelly to the dry skin.
• B. Rubbing the skin vigorously to remove the dead skin.
• C. Soaking the area in warm water every day.
• D. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the teaching plan is to advise the child to soak the area in warm water every day. Soaking the area in warm water helps to gently remove dead skin without causing irritation, facilitating the safe and comfortable removal of the cast. Applying petroleum jelly (Choice A) may not be necessary and could interfere with the cast removal process. Rubbing the skin vigorously (Choice B) can lead to skin damage and should be avoided. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water (Choice D) is not recommended as peroxide can be irritating to the skin and may not aid in cast removal.

3. Which is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with acute glomerulonephritis?

• A. Risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment
• B. Fluid volume deficit related to excessive losses
• C. Fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration
• D. Fluid volume excess related to fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with acute glomerulonephritis is 'Fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration.' Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation in the glomeruli, leading to decreased plasma filtration and retention of fluid. This results in fluid volume excess rather than deficit, making choice C the correct answer. Choice A is incorrect because acute glomerulonephritis is not primarily associated with a malignant process. Choice B is incorrect as the condition typically presents with fluid volume excess rather than deficit. Choice D is also incorrect as fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces is not a typical manifestation of acute glomerulonephritis.

4. A child with diabetes insipidus is being treated with vasopressin. The nurse would assess the child closely for signs and symptoms of which condition?

• A. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
• B. Thyroid storm
• C. Cushing syndrome
• D. Vitamin D toxicity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Vasopressin is a medication used to treat diabetes insipidus by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. However, an excessive dose of vasopressin can lead to water retention, causing SIADH, which is characterized by dilutional hyponatremia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Thyroid storm is a severe form of hyperthyroidism characterized by increased metabolism and can lead to life-threatening complications. Cushing syndrome results from excess cortisol production and is characterized by weight gain, hypertension, and other features. Vitamin D toxicity occurs due to an overdose of vitamin D, leading to hypercalcemia and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and weakness.

5. When developing the plan of care for a child with burns requiring fluid replacement therapy, what information would the nurse expect to include?

• A. Administration of colloid initially followed by a crystalloid
• B. Determination of fluid replacement based on the type of burn
• C. Administration of most of the volume during the first 8 hours
• D. Monitoring of hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In fluid replacement therapy for burns, it is crucial to administer most of the volume during the first 8 hours to prevent shock and maintain perfusion. This rapid administration is essential to stabilize the child's condition. Choices A and B are incorrect because the initial fluid replacement in burns typically involves administering crystalloids, not colloids, and the fluid replacement is generally calculated based on the extent of the burn injury, not the type of burn. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr is not recommended in burn patients; instead, urine output should be monitored to achieve 1-2 mL/kg/hr in children to ensure adequate renal perfusion.

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