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 healthcare provider is planning care for a child with hyperkalemia. Which manifestation associated with the documented hyperkalemia requires immediate intervention by the healthcare provider?

• A. Hyperthermia
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Seizures
• D. Cardiac arrhythmias

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias are the most critical and life-threatening manifestation that requires immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, potentially resulting in cardiac arrest. Prompt treatment is essential to stabilize the heart rhythm and prevent life-threatening complications. Hyperthermia, respiratory distress, and seizures are not typically associated with hyperkalemia and should be addressed, but cardiac arrhythmias pose the most urgent risk to the patient's life.

3. What does a Z-score of -3.00 indicate?

• A. The child's score indicates he is ahead of his peers and performing well
• B. The child's score places him within normal limits on this test item
• C. The test is inconclusive
• D. The child's score falls below the majority of his peers on this test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A Z-score of -3.00 indicates that the child's performance is significantly below the average of their peers. It represents an extreme low score, indicating a substantial deviation from the mean performance of the group.

4. A toddler in the emergency department has partial thickness burns on his right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Insert a nasogastric tube
• B. Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy
• C. Cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water
• D. Apply a topical corticosteroid to the affected area

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a toddler has partial thickness burns, the nurse should cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water. This action helps remove any loose tissue that could lead to infection and prepares the area for appropriate wound care. Inserting a nasogastric tube (Choice A) is not indicated for a toddler with burns. Initiating prophylactic antibiotic therapy (Choice B) is not necessary for partial thickness burns unless there are signs of infection. Applying a topical corticosteroid (Choice D) is not recommended for initial management of burns as it can delay wound healing.

5. During an assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating an infant with pneumonia. Which of the following findings should be the priority for the healthcare professional to report to the provider?

• A. Nasal flaring
• B. WBC count of 11,300
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Abdominal distension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing an infant with pneumonia, the priority finding to report to the provider is nasal flaring. Nasal flaring indicates acute respiratory distress, which can be a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Monitoring and addressing respiratory distress take precedence over other symptoms or laboratory results in this situation.

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