Nursing Elites

1. A child is being assessed for possible appendicitis with perforation. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• B. Abdominal distension
• C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a child with appendicitis and possible perforation, the nurse should expect bradycardia due to peritoneal irritation. Bradycardia is a common response to peritoneal inflammation or infection, indicating a possible serious complication. Hyperactive bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and hypoactive bowel sounds are more commonly associated with other gastrointestinal conditions and are less likely to be present in a child with appendicitis and perforation. Therefore, the correct answer is bradycardia (D) as it aligns with the expected physiological response in this scenario.

2. Which assessment data would cause suspicion that a 3-year-old child has Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Clay-colored stools and dark urine
• B. History of early passage of meconium in the newborn period
• C. History of chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight
• D. Continual bouts of foul-smelling diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight. These symptoms are indicative of the disorder due to the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon, leading to impaired motility and obstruction.

3. A nurse is planning care to address nutritional needs for a preschooler with cystic fibrosis. Which interventions should the nurse include in plans?

• A. Administer pancreatic enzymes 2 hours after meals.
• B. Monitor and adjust the use of pancreatic enzymes if steatorrhea develops.
• C. Encourage adequate fluid intake based on the child's needs.
• D. Increase fat content in the child's diet to 40% of total calories.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Increasing fat content in the diet is essential for meeting the high energy needs of a child with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis impairs the absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, so increasing the fat content in the child's diet to 40% of total calories helps ensure adequate caloric intake. This intervention can help maintain the child's nutritional status and support growth and development.

4. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

5. A parent of a child with celiac disease is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You should give your child vitamin supplements that contain iron.
• B. Your child will need a gluten-free diet.
• C. Your child should consume large amounts of dietary fiber.
• D. Your child can resume eating whole wheat bread.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet to manage the condition effectively. Gluten-containing foods like wheat, barley, and rye must be avoided to prevent intestinal damage and symptoms in individuals with celiac disease. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize the importance of a gluten-free diet to the parent of the child with celiac disease.

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