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. What is the goal of pharmacologic therapy in the treatment of Parkinson�s disease?

• A. To increase the amount of acetylcholine at the pre-synaptic neurons
• B. To reduce the amount of dopamine available in the substantia nigra
• C. To balance cholinergic and dopaminergic activity in the brain
• D. To block dopamine receptors in pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Parkinson�s disease results from a decrease in dopaminergic (inhibitory) activity, leaving an imbalance with too much cholinergic (excitatory) activity. With an increase in dopamine, the neurotransmitter activity becomes more balanced, and symptoms are controlled.

3. An adolescent client reports recurrent abdominal pain with diarrhea and bloody stools. Which type of inflammatory bowel disease does the nurse suspect based on these data?

• A. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
• B. Ulcerative colitis (UC)
• C. Crohn's disease
• D. Appendicitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. The symptoms described align with the clinical presentation of ulcerative colitis, making it the most likely diagnosis in this scenario. Necrotizing enterocolitis primarily affects premature infants, Crohn's disease typically presents with non-bloody diarrhea, and appendicitis is characterized by right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Therefore, based on the symptoms provided, ulcerative colitis is the most appropriate suspicion.

4. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

5. A post-op patient has an epidural infusion of morphine sulfate. The patient�s respiratory rate declines to 8 breaths/minute. Which medication would the nurse anticipate administering?

• A. Naloxone (Narcan)
• B. Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)
• C. Methyprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
• D. Protamine Sulfate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that can reverse the effects, both adverse and therapeutic, of opioid narcotic analgesics.

Similar Questions