Nursing Elites

1. A mother brings her 8-month-old baby boy to the clinic because he has been vomiting and having diarrhea for the last 3 days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to make?

• A. Assess the infant's abdomen for tenderness
• B. Determine if the infant has been exposed to a virus
• C. Measure the infant’s pulse
• D. Evaluate the infant’s cry

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial assessment in this scenario is to measure the infant's pulse. Pulse measurement is essential to evaluate the severity of dehydration, which can be a significant concern in a baby experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Assessing the abdomen for tenderness may provide information on potential causes of symptoms but is not as urgent as monitoring hydration status. Determining exposure to a virus is important for infection control but does not directly address the immediate issue of dehydration. Evaluating the infant's cry, although a form of communication, does not provide critical information regarding the baby's physiological status in this situation.

2. When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Have the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards.
• B. Direct the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze.
• C. Inspect the child for the setting sun sign.
• D. Observe the child for blank, sunken eyes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When screening a 5-year-old for strabismus, directing the child through the six cardinal positions of gaze is the most appropriate action. This method helps the nurse to assess eye alignment, which is crucial in identifying any misalignment that may indicate strabismus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Having the child identify colored patterns on polychromatic cards is more related to visual acuity testing rather than strabismus screening. Inspecting the child for the setting sun sign is not a standard method for strabismus screening. Observing the child for blank, sunken eyes is not specific to strabismus assessment.

3. An adolescent female who comes to the school clinic is reluctant to confide her concerns to the practical nurse (PN). The PN tells the teen that confidentiality and privacy are maintained unless a life-threatening situation arises. Which principle supports the PN's response?

• A. The adolescent should be encouraged to seek help outside of the school clinic.
• B. Disclosures from the adolescent should be kept confidential.
• C. Honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship.
• D. Minor adolescents should not be encouraged to disclose private concerns.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct principle supporting the practical nurse's response is that honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship. By assuring confidentiality and privacy to the adolescent unless there is a life-threatening situation, the practical nurse fosters an environment where the teen feels safe to share their concerns openly. This approach helps build trust, encouraging effective communication and support for the adolescent's well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because encouraging seeking help outside the school clinic, keeping disclosures confidential, and discouraging minor adolescents from sharing private concerns do not address the immediate need to build trust and ensure the well-being of the adolescent in a school setting.

4. When assessing a child with suspected meningitis, which finding is a characteristic sign of meningitis?

• A. High-pitched cry
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Photophobia
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Photophobia, which is sensitivity to light, is a characteristic sign of meningitis in children. It commonly presents along with symptoms such as headache and neck stiffness. This symptom is important to recognize early for prompt diagnosis and treatment of meningitis.

5. A 12-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Which finding should the nurse expect during the assessment?

• A. Localized pain and swelling
• B. Generalized joint stiffness
• C. Pain in the muscles
• D. Limited range of motion in the limbs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, patients typically present with localized pain, swelling, and warmth over the affected bone. This is due to the inflammatory response in the bone tissue. Generalized joint stiffness, pain in the muscles, and limited range of motion in the limbs are not specific to osteomyelitis and are more commonly associated with other conditions.

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