Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a school-age child who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Elevate the head of the child's bed
• B. Insert a large-bore IV catheter for the child
• C. Determine the allergen that caused the child's reaction
• D. Administer IM epinephrine to the child

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the management of anaphylaxis, the priority action for the nurse is to administer IM epinephrine to the child. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps reverse the severe manifestations of the reaction by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and decreasing hives and swelling. Elevating the head of the child's bed may be beneficial for respiratory distress but is not the priority over administering epinephrine. Inserting a large-bore IV catheter may be necessary for fluid resuscitation but is not the initial priority. Identifying the allergen is important for prevention and future management but is not the immediate action needed in the acute phase of an anaphylactic reaction.

2. A newborn's parents are being taught about ways to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Place the infant in a prone position to sleep.
• B. Allow the infant to sleep on a large pillow.
• C. Use a soft mattress in the infant's crib.
• D. Give the infant a pacifier at bedtime.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction to prevent SIDS is to give the infant a pacifier at bedtime. The use of a pacifier while the infant is sleeping is associated with a decreased risk of SIDS. Placing the infant on their back to sleep is recommended to prevent SIDS, not in a prone position (Choice A). Allowing the infant to sleep on a large pillow (Choice B) is dangerous and increases the risk of SIDS. Using a soft mattress in the infant's crib (Choice C) is also a risk factor for SIDS, so it should be avoided. Additionally, soft bedding or pillows should be avoided to reduce the risk of SIDS.

3. A child is admitted to the hospital for hypercalcemia and is placed on diuretic therapy. Which diuretic would the nurse expect to administer?

• A. Furosemide (Lasix)
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide (Aquazide)
• C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• D. Mannitol (Osmitrol)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney to increase calcium excretion. In the setting of hypercalcemia, where there is an elevated level of calcium in the blood, Furosemide can help promote the elimination of excess calcium through the urine, thereby aiding in the management of hypercalcemia.

4. When preparing to insert an intravenous catheter for a 7-year-old child, which of the following actions should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Apply an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure.
• B. Use a 16-gauge needle for the insertion.
• C. Insert the catheter into a vein of the child's dominant hand.
• D. Choose a site over the child's metacarpal veins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Applying an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure is crucial when inserting an intravenous catheter in a child to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. This practice is especially important in pediatric patients to ensure a more comfortable experience and improve cooperation during the insertion process. Choice B is incorrect as a 16-gauge needle is too large for a child, and a smaller gauge needle is typically used. Choice C is incorrect as the catheter should be inserted into a suitable vein, not specifically the dominant hand vein. Choice D is incorrect as metacarpal veins are usually avoided due to their small size and the potential for complications.

5. Which statement best reflects a top-down approach to the evaluation process?

• A. OT focuses on evaluating the child's poor performance in hand skills
• B. OT conducts an assessment to determine a motor age for fine motor and gross motor skills
• C. OT initiates by interviewing the family about routines, interests, and daily habits
• D. OT starts by assessing muscle tone, postural control, and range of motion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A top-down evaluation approach in occupational therapy begins with understanding the child's daily life, family routines, interests, and habits to ensure that the therapy provided is relevant and meaningful within the child's natural environment. By initiating the evaluation process with family interviews to gather contextual information, the occupational therapist gains a comprehensive view of the child's life, which allows for a more holistic and client-centered approach. Choice A focuses solely on the child's poor performance in hand skills, which is more characteristic of a bottom-up approach. Choice B mentions determining a motor age, which is not necessarily aligned with a top-down assessment. Choice D emphasizes physical assessments like muscle tone and range of motion, which are important but do not capture the essence of a top-down approach that considers the child's environment and routines.

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