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. What is important to include in discharge instructions for parents of a child who has had a tonsillectomy?

• A. Encourage the child to gargle with salt water
• B. Encourage fluid intake
• C. Provide the child with hard candy
• D. Apply heat to the neck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging fluid intake is essential in the discharge instructions for a child who has had a tonsillectomy. It helps keep the throat moist, aids in preventing dehydration, and promotes healing. Gargling with salt water is not typically recommended after a tonsillectomy as it may irritate the surgical site. Providing the child with hard candy is not advisable as it can irritate the throat and potentially cause harm. Applying heat to the neck is also not recommended post-tonsillectomy as it can increase swelling and discomfort in the surgical area.

3. A parent calls the clinic because their child has ingested a small amount of household bleach. What should the nurse advise?

• A. Administer activated charcoal
• B. Induce vomiting immediately
• C. Call the poison control center
• D. Take the child to the emergency department

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the case of a child ingesting household bleach, the primary advice should be to call the poison control center (Choice C). The poison control center can provide specific guidance on how to manage the ingestion, including whether any immediate interventions are necessary. Administering activated charcoal (Choice A) or inducing vomiting immediately (Choice B) can worsen the situation as they are not recommended treatments for bleach ingestion. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) may be necessary depending on the advice given by the poison control center, but the initial step should be to seek guidance from the experts at the poison control center.

4. What is the priority intervention for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis upon admission?

• A. Pad the side rails of the crib.
• B. Arrange for a quiet, cool room.
• C. Place a tracheotomy set at the bedside.
• D. Obtain a recliner for a parent to stay.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct priority intervention for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis is to place a tracheotomy set at the bedside. Acute laryngotracheobronchitis can lead to airway obstruction, making it essential to have the equipment readily available in case of emergency. Padding the side rails, arranging for a quiet room, or obtaining a recliner for a parent are not the immediate priorities in managing a child with this condition.

5. A child with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What should the caregiver teach the parents about administering this medication?

• A. Administer the medication with food
• B. Measure the dose with a household spoon
• C. Measure the dose with a proper measuring device
• D. Administer the medication only when the child has a high fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the dose with a proper measuring device. Using a household spoon can lead to inaccurate dosing, which can be dangerous. Administering the medication with food or only when the child has a high fever are not the essential instructions related to the safe and effective administration of acetaminophen.

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