Nursing Elites

1. A female child, age 2, is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown number of aspirin tablets about 30 minutes earlier. Her father is blaming the mother for neglecting the child while she was cooking. On entering the examination room, the child is crying and clinging to the mother. Which data should the nurse obtain first?

• A. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
• B. Recent exposure to communicable diseases
• C. Number of immunizations received
• D. Height and weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority is to assess the child's vital signs first, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These data will provide critical information on the child's current physiological status and guide further interventions. Option B, recent exposure to communicable diseases, is not the priority in an acute ingestion situation. Option C, number of immunizations received, and option D, height and weight, are important but not as critical as assessing vital signs in this immediate situation.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Acrocyanosis
• B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute
• C. Grunting with nasal flaring
• D. Heart rate of 140 beats per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Grunting with nasal flaring is a concerning sign of respiratory distress in a newborn that can indicate inadequate oxygenation. This finding requires immediate intervention to ensure the newborn's respiratory status is stabilized and to prevent further complications. Prompt assessment and appropriate intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent respiratory compromise and potential deterioration. Acrocyanosis, which is bluish discoloration of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and usually resolves on its own. A respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 140 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not indicate immediate intervention is needed.

3. Kobby, who is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 1, displays symptoms of hypoglycemia; which of the following actions should the nurse instruct the parents to take?

• A. Give the child honey (simple sugar)
• B. Give the child milk (complex sugar)
• C. Contact the healthcare provider before doing anything
• D. Give the child nothing by mouth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During hypoglycemia, it is crucial to quickly raise blood glucose levels. Giving a simple sugar like honey is recommended as it can rapidly increase blood sugar levels and alleviate the symptoms of hypoglycemia in individuals with diabetes mellitus type 1. Milk, being a complex sugar, will not act as quickly as honey in raising blood sugar levels. Contacting the healthcare provider may lead to a delay in treatment, as immediate action is necessary during hypoglycemia. Withholding food or drink (choice D) is not appropriate when dealing with hypoglycemia as it can worsen the condition.

4. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate treatment for an 18-year-old woman with severe vaginal bleeding?

• A. Covering the vagina with a trauma dressing.
• B. Administering high concentrations of oxygen.
• C. Placing sterile dressings into the vagina.
• D. Keeping her warm with blankets.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing sterile dressings into the vagina is not an appropriate treatment for severe vaginal bleeding. The correct approach involves applying pressure to the external vaginal area to control bleeding, covering the vagina with a trauma dressing to help with compression, administering high concentrations of oxygen to support oxygenation, and keeping the patient warm with blankets to prevent hypothermia. Placing sterile dressings into the vagina can introduce foreign material, increase the risk of infection, and obstruct proper wound management, making it an incorrect treatment option in this scenario.

5. When assessing a 6-year-old boy with pain in the right lower quadrant of his abdomen, which action should be performed first?

• A. Avoiding palpation of the abdomen.
• B. Palpating the right lower quadrant first.
• C. Auscultating bowel sounds for 2 minutes.
• D. Palpating the left upper quadrant first.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Palpating the left upper quadrant first is the correct approach when assessing abdominal pain in a child. This method helps to minimize causing additional discomfort to the child and allows for a more accurate assessment of their reaction to palpation. By starting on the left upper quadrant, you can gauge the child's pain response before moving to the area of complaint, which may be more sensitive. This approach is essential for a thorough and less distressing abdominal assessment in pediatric patients.

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