Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a child with suspected nephrotic syndrome, what clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Edema
• C. Hypertension
• D. Polyuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Edema is a hallmark clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased glomerular permeability leading to the loss of proteins, particularly albumin, in the urine. This results in decreased oncotic pressure, leading to fluid shifting into the interstitial spaces and causing edema. Jaundice (Choice A) is not a typical clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension (Choice C) is more commonly associated with conditions like glomerulonephritis. Polyuria (Choice D) is not a primary symptom of nephrotic syndrome; instead, patients may have reduced urine output due to fluid retention from edema.

2. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?

• A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
• B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
• C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
• D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is showing signs of shock with increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities helps improve venous return to the heart, cardiac output, and oxygenation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm. This action can alleviate the respiratory distress and is a critical step to take in a child with signs of shock. Beginning positive pressure ventilations (Choice B) should be considered if the infant's respiratory distress worsens despite lowering the extremities. Placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow (Choice C) may not directly address the increased work of breathing or the underlying shock condition. Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (Choice D) may provide information on lung sounds but does not address the immediate need to improve breathing in a child with signs of shock.

3. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being treated with corticosteroids. What is an important nursing consideration?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor blood pressure
• C. Monitor for hyperglycemia
• D. Monitor for hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child with nephrotic syndrome is undergoing treatment with corticosteroids, it is crucial to monitor for signs of infection. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, increasing the child's susceptibility to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection allows for early detection and prompt intervention. While monitoring blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and hypertension are important considerations in certain conditions and treatments, they are not the primary concern when a child with nephrotic syndrome is on corticosteroid therapy.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the healthcare professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often the last sign of heart failure in infants and children as it indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (Choice A) and tachycardia (Choice B) are early signs of heart failure due to the body's compensatory mechanisms. Periorbital edema (Choice D) can occur in heart failure but is not typically the last sign; it is more commonly associated with renal or hepatic dysfunction.

5. During a nap, a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Ask the child to help with remaking the bed.
• B. Put clean sheets on the bed over a rubber sheet.
• C. Change the child’s clothes without discussing the incident.
• D. Explain that children should call the nurse when they need to go to the bathroom.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a 3-year-old hospitalized child wets the bed during a nap, the nurse should respond by changing the child’s clothes without discussing the incident. This approach helps to maintain the child's dignity, avoid embarrassment, and reduce anxiety related to bedwetting. Asking the child to help with remaking the bed (Choice A) may not be appropriate as it could cause unnecessary distress. Putting clean sheets on the bed over a rubber sheet (Choice B) addresses the aftermath but does not directly address the child's needs. Explaining that children should call the nurse when they need to go to the bathroom (Choice D) may not be effective in this immediate situation of bedwetting during a nap.

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