Nursing Elites

1. A mother brings her 2-year-old son to the clinic because he has been crying and pulling on his earlobe for the past 12 hours. The child’s oral temperature is 101.2°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Ask the mother if the child has had a runny nose
• B. Cleanse purulent exudate from the affected ear canal
• C. Apply a topical antibiotic to the periauricle area
• D. Provide parent education to prevent recurrence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a child with ear pain and fever, asking about a runny nose is important to assess if the ear pain is associated with a respiratory infection, such as otitis media. This information can guide further assessment and treatment decisions. Choice B is incorrect because cleansing purulent exudate should be done by a healthcare provider, not the nurse. Choice C is incorrect as topical antibiotics should only be applied under healthcare provider's orders. Choice D is not the priority at this moment, as the immediate concern is assessing the association between the ear pain and a possible respiratory infection.

2. The parents of a 5-year-old child, recently diagnosed with celiac disease, are being educated by the healthcare provider. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We need to avoid giving our child any foods that contain wheat, barley, or rye
• B. Our child can still eat oats as long as they are labeled gluten-free
• C. We should read food labels carefully to check for hidden sources of gluten
• D. It’s okay for our child to have small amounts of gluten occasionally

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Children with celiac disease must strictly adhere to a gluten-free diet. Even small amounts of gluten can cause harm by triggering an immune response that damages the intestines. It is crucial for parents to understand that allowing their child to have small amounts of gluten occasionally is not safe and can lead to complications. Therefore, further teaching is needed to emphasize the importance of complete avoidance of gluten-containing foods for a child with celiac disease. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate understanding of the need to avoid gluten-containing foods and hidden sources of gluten, which are essential in managing celiac disease. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a lax approach to the child's diet, which can be harmful in the case of celiac disease.

3. A 15-year-old adolescent with anorexia nervosa is admitted to the hospital for severe weight loss. The nurse notes that the client has dry skin, brittle hair, and is severely underweight. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• A. Establish a therapeutic relationship with the client
• B. Monitor the client’s vital signs frequently
• C. Initiate a structured eating plan
• D. Provide education about healthy eating habits

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority intervention for the nurse is to initiate a structured eating plan. Anorexia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by severe food restriction, which can lead to malnutrition and severe weight loss. By starting a structured eating plan, the nurse can ensure the client receives the necessary nutrition to begin the process of weight restoration and recovery. Monitoring vital signs is essential, but without addressing the nutrition deficiency, vital signs may not improve significantly. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for long-term care but may not address the immediate risk of malnutrition. Providing education about healthy eating habits is important but may not be effective initially due to the severity of the client's condition.

4. The mother of a 9-month-old girl provides the practical nurse with information about her daughter's diet. Which statement by the mother may indicate why the infant has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia?

• A. She almost never drinks sugary water.
• B. She has been on whole milk for 7 months.
• C. She likes to chew on bread as a snack.
• D. She doesn't like to eat peaches or pears.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Infants should not be given cow's milk before 1 year of age as it can interfere with iron absorption and lead to anemia. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding sugary water is actually a good practice. Choice C is unrelated to iron-deficiency anemia. Choice D, not liking peaches or pears, is also not directly related to iron-deficiency anemia.

5. A male adolescent who is newly diagnosed with a seizure disorder receives a prescription for an anticonvulsant. Which statement indicates the client is at risk for non-compliance with life-long medication management?

• A. I hope I will be able to drive while taking these pills.
• B. My friends will think I am a freak if I take these pills.
• C. I don't want my parents monitoring my medications.
• D. I will take the pills at home so others will not see me.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement 'My friends will think I am a freak if I take these pills' indicates concerns about peer perception, which can lead to non-compliance in adolescents. Peer pressure and fear of social stigma can significantly impact medication adherence in this age group. Option B is the most concerning response as it reflects the client's worry about how others perceive him for taking medication, potentially leading to non-compliance due to social pressures. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address societal perception or peer pressure, making them less likely to impact the client's medication adherence negatively.

Similar Questions