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. Which of the following parameters is the LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Presence of peripheral pulses
• C. Skin color and temperature
• D. Systolic blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing perfusion status in a 2-year-old child. In young children, blood pressure measurements can be variable, affected by factors like anxiety or crying. Capillary refill time, presence of peripheral pulses, and skin color and temperature are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in this age group.

3. Jaundice in children can be either pathological or physiological. Which of these will you consider as more serious?

• A. Jaundice seen within 24 hours of life
• B. Jaundice seen at the palms and soles
• C. Jaundice appearing after 24 hours of life
• D. Jaundice seen after 14 days of life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Jaundice seen within 24 hours of life is considered more serious in children as it can indicate pathological causes such as hemolytic disease or sepsis, which require prompt evaluation and management to prevent complications. Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of life is concerning due to the higher likelihood of severe conditions, while jaundice seen at the palms and soles is more likely due to physiological causes such as breast milk jaundice. Jaundice appearing after 24 hours or after 14 days of life may still require evaluation but is less urgent compared to jaundice within the first 24 hours.

4. The Andrews family has been taking good care of their youngest, Archie, who was diagnosed with asthma. Which of the following statements indicate a need for further home care teaching?

• A. He should increase his fluid intake regularly to thin secretions.
• B. We'll make sure he avoids exercise to prevent attacks.
• C. He is to use his bronchodilator inhaler before the steroid inhaler.
• D. We need to identify what triggers his attacks.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Avoiding exercise entirely is not recommended for asthma management. Regular exercise can actually help strengthen the lungs and improve overall respiratory function. Teaching should focus on appropriate exercise routines that are suitable for individuals with asthma to prevent attacks. Choices A, C, and D are all appropriate and indicate good understanding of asthma management. Increasing fluid intake helps thin secretions, using the bronchodilator inhaler before the steroid inhaler follows the correct order of inhaler administration, and identifying triggers is essential for asthma control.

5. In the pediatric ward at Nyamebekyere teaching hospital, when should oxygen be applied to children?

• A. Central cyanosis
• B. Respiratory rate >70 breaths per minute
• C. Grunting noted on assessment
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All the listed conditions, central cyanosis, respiratory rate >70 breaths per minute, and grunting on assessment, are indicative of the need for oxygen therapy. Central cyanosis suggests severe hypoxemia, a respiratory rate >70 breaths per minute can indicate respiratory distress, and grunting is a sign of increased work of breathing. Administering oxygen in these situations can help improve oxygenation and support the child's respiratory function, making option D the correct choice.

Similar Questions