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. A child with a history of seizures arrives in the emergency department (ED) in status epilepticus. Which is the priority nursing action?

• A. Take vital signs.
• B. Establish an intravenous line.
• C. Perform rapid neurologic assessment.
• D. Maintain a patent airway.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a child with a history of seizures presents in status epilepticus, the priority nursing action is to maintain a patent airway. This is crucial to ensure proper oxygenation and ventilation. While taking vital signs, establishing an intravenous line, and performing rapid neurologic assessment are important, maintaining a patent airway takes precedence. Hypoxia can lead to serious complications, making airway management the top priority to ensure the child's safety and prevent further deterioration.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Which of the following findings is the priority for the healthcare provider to report?

• A. Bruising
• B. Petechiae
• C. Elevated WBC count
• D. Elevated platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding to report for a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia is petechiae. Petechiae indicate a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, the healthcare provider should promptly report petechiae to initiate appropriate interventions to prevent bleeding complications.

4. A healthcare provider at an urgent care clinic is assessing an adolescent client who has an upper respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings should the provider recognize as a manifestation of pertussis?

• A. Inflamed throat with exudate
• B. Purulent eye drainage
• C. Dry, hacking cough
• D. Koplik spots on buccal mucosa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dry, hacking cough.' A dry, hacking cough is a classic manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis typically presents with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, starting with a persistent, severe, and uncontrollable cough that can worsen at night. This cough is often followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound as the patient tries to catch their breath, hence the term 'whooping cough.' In contrast, options A, B, and D are not typically associated with pertussis. Inflamed throat with exudate may suggest a bacterial throat infection like streptococcal pharyngitis, purulent eye drainage is more indicative of a bacterial conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa are specific to measles. Therefore, recognizing the dry, hacking cough as a manifestation of pertussis is crucial for early identification and appropriate management of the disease.

5. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to the parent of a school-age child with cystic fibrosis. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You should offer your child high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day
• B. Your child should decrease dietary fats to less than 10% of their caloric intake
• C. Your child will need to take a 1-gram sodium chloride tablet daily throughout their lifetime
• D. You should calculate your child's carbohydrate needs based on their daily activities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The parent should provide a well-balanced diet that is high in protein and calories for a child with cystic fibrosis. This diet helps meet the child's increased energy requirements. Offering high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day is essential to ensure adequate nutrition and energy intake for children with cystic fibrosis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because children with cystic fibrosis actually need a higher fat intake for proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, sodium chloride supplementation is not a general recommendation for all children with cystic fibrosis, and carbohydrate needs are usually based on maintaining adequate weight and growth rather than daily activities.

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