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 the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Administering chemotherapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy compromises the child's immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Preventing infection is crucial to avoid potential complications such as sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Administering chemotherapy is essential for treating ALL but preventing infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections associated with chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Providing nutritional support is important for overall health but preventing infections is more critical in this context. Monitoring fluid intake is significant, but the priority is to prevent infections that can have severe consequences in an immunocompromised child.

3. A child with suspected Kawasaki disease is being assessed. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Generalized rash
• B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• C. High fever
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peeling skin on the hands and feet is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Kawasaki disease, known as desquamation. This occurs during the convalescent phase of the illness, typically around 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. While a generalized rash can be present in Kawasaki disease, peeling skin on the hands and feet is a more specific and distinctive feature. High fever is also a common symptom of Kawasaki disease, usually lasting for at least 5 days, while a low-grade fever is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the nurse is more likely to observe peeling skin on the hands and feet in a child suspected of having Kawasaki disease, making option B the correct choice.

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. Assessing for signs of dehydration is crucial in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) because they are at high risk due to frequent vomiting. Dehydration can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority assessments for HPS. While the quality of the cry can provide some information on the infant's distress level, dehydration assessment takes precedence. Coughing up feedings may not be specific to HPS, and characteristics of the stool, although important in general assessments, are not the priority in this situation.

5. A home care nurse is visiting a family for the first time. The 4-week-old infant had surgery for exstrophy of the bladder and creation of an ileal conduit soon after birth. When the nurse arrives, the mother appears tired, and the baby is crying. After an introduction, which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

• A. “Tell me about your daily routine.”
• B. “You look tired. Is everything all right?”
• C. “When was the last time the baby had a bottle?”
• D. “Oh, it looks like you two are having a bad day.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate statement by the nurse in this scenario is to inquire about the family's daily routine. This question allows the nurse to gather information about the family dynamics, the care routine for the infant post-surgery, feeding schedules, and potential stressors. It opens the conversation in a non-intrusive manner and helps the nurse assess the family's situation to provide appropriate support. Choices B, C, and D do not address the situation effectively. Asking about the daily routine is crucial for the nurse to understand the family's needs and offer targeted assistance.

Similar Questions