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. You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured left arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. How should you manage this situation?

• A. Inform the parents of your suspicions.
• B. Call the police so the parents can be arrested.
• C. Advise the parents that the child needs to be transported.
• D. Transport the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported allows for the child to receive necessary medical care without immediate confrontation. Calling the police to have the parents arrested (Choice B) may escalate the situation and should only be done after ensuring the child's safety. Informing the parents of suspicions (Choice A) may potentially place the child at further risk if the parents are the abusers. Transporting the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes (Choice D) could lead to legal and ethical complications; it is important to involve the appropriate authorities and handle the situation with sensitivity and care.

3. What is one of the most important factors that a healthcare professional must consider when parents of a toddler request to be present at a procedure occurring on the hospital unit?

• A. Type of procedure to be performed
• B. Individual assessment of the parents
• C. Whether the toddler wants the parents present
• D. Probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When parents of a toddler request to be present during a procedure, an individual assessment of the parents is crucial. This assessment helps healthcare professionals understand the parents' ability to cope with the situation, provide support to their child, and ensure a conducive environment for the procedure. Choice A is not as critical because the focus is on the parents' readiness rather than the specific procedure. Choice C, considering the toddler's desire, is important but not as crucial as assessing the parents. Choice D, anticipating the toddler's response to pain, is relevant but secondary to assessing the parents' readiness and support capabilities.

4. An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect when palpating the infant’s abdomen?

• A. A distended colon
• B. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus
• C. An olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant
• D. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When palpating the abdomen of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), the nurse would expect to feel an olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant. This finding is characteristic of HPS due to the hypertrophied pylorus muscle. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not typically associated with HPS. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not a specific finding of HPS. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not expected in HPS, as the condition primarily affects the pylorus region of the stomach.

5. Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following head trauma?

• A. nausea and vomiting
• B. altered mental status
• C. tachycardia and diaphoresis
• D. changes in pupillary reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children following head trauma due to their higher risk of increased intracranial pressure. Children have less skull compliance and higher brain water content, making them more susceptible to developing symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Altered mental status (choice B) can occur in both children and adults but is not more common in children. Tachycardia and diaphoresis (choice C) are nonspecific and can occur in both age groups. Changes in pupillary reaction (choice D) are not typically more common in children following head trauma compared to adults.

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