Nursing Elites

1. 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 alright?”
• 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: Asking about the daily routine is the most appropriate statement by the nurse in this scenario. It allows the nurse to gather important information about the family's schedule, feeding patterns, and overall care routine for the infant. This open-ended question helps the nurse assess the family's situation comprehensively and identify any areas where support may be needed. Choices B, C, and D are less appropriate as they do not focus on gathering relevant information about the family's routine and needs but rather make assumptions or ask about specific isolated events.

2. A child has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What position should the nurse recommend the child be placed in after eating?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Semi-Fowler's
• D. Trendelenburg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After eating, it is beneficial to place a child with GERD in a semi-Fowler's position. This position helps prevent reflux by keeping the child's head elevated above the stomach, reducing the chances of gastric contents flowing back into the esophagus. Placing the child supine (lying flat on their back) can worsen reflux symptoms by allowing gravity to work against the natural flow of gastric contents. Prone position (lying on the stomach) is not recommended due to the increased risk of aspiration. Trendelenburg position (feet elevated above head) is also inappropriate as it can lead to increased pressure on the abdomen, potentially worsening reflux symptoms.

3. Which observation made of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis?

• A. abdominal rigidity
• B. substernal retraction
• C. palpable olive-like mass
• D. marked distention of lower abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: palpable olive-like mass. In pyloric stenosis, a palpable olive-like mass can often be felt in the abdomen due to the hypertrophied pyloric muscle. This mass is a key characteristic finding in infants with pyloric stenosis. Choice A, abdominal rigidity, is more commonly associated with conditions like peritonitis. Choice B, substernal retraction, is not typically seen in pyloric stenosis but can be a sign of respiratory distress. Choice D, marked distention of the lower abdomen, is not specific to pyloric stenosis and can be present in various abdominal conditions.

4. A parent asks the nurse what to do for their child who has an earache and fever. What should the nurse suggest?

• A. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear
• B. Giving the child a cold drink
• C. Administering acetaminophen
• D. Taking the child to the emergency department

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear is a recommended home remedy for earaches as it can help reduce pain and discomfort. The warmth can also help improve circulation and promote drainage if there is fluid buildup. Giving a cold drink (Choice B) is not typically beneficial for earaches and fever. Administering acetaminophen (Choice C) can help reduce fever and alleviate pain, but addressing the earache directly with a warm compress is a more targeted approach. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) is not necessary for a common earache unless there are severe symptoms or complications present.

5. What is the most important intervention for a nurse to implement for a child with sickle cell anemia admitted to the hospital during a vaso-occlusive crisis?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Monitoring vital signs
• D. Administering pain medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial during a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia as it helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood and prevent further sickling of the cells. While administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases, ensuring hydration takes precedence as it directly impacts the underlying pathophysiology of the crisis. Monitoring vital signs is important for ongoing assessment but does not directly address the crisis as hydration does. Administering pain medication is important for pain relief but does not address the primary issue of vaso-occlusion and is not the most crucial intervention in this scenario.

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