Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected pertussis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare professional likely to observe?

• A. Dry, hacking cough
• B. Inspiratory stridor
• C. Nasal congestion
• D. Severe coughing spells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe coughing spells are a hallmark clinical manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by paroxysms of rapid, consecutive coughs followed by a distinctive 'whoop' sound as the patient gasps for air. This intense coughing can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and sometimes a characteristic 'whoop' sound. Inspiratory stridor (Choice B) is more commonly associated with croup, not pertussis. Nasal congestion (Choice C) is not a typical feature of pertussis. While a cough is present in pertussis, the specific type of cough described in Choice A (dry, hacking cough) is not the predominant feature observed in pertussis.

2. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.

3. A healthcare provider is discussing the care of an infant with colic with the parents. What should the healthcare provider explain is the cause of colicky behavior?

• A. Inadequate peristalsis
• B. Paroxysmal abdominal pain
• C. An allergic response to certain proteins in milk
• D. A protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Colicky behavior in infants is primarily characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, resulting in excessive crying and fussiness. The pain episodes are often unpredictable and can be distressing for both the infant and the parents. Inadequate peristalsis (Choice A) refers to weak or ineffective bowel movements and is not the typical cause of colic. While some infants may experience colic due to an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), this is not the primary cause of colic behavior in all infants. Choice D, a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins, is not a recognized cause of colic. Therefore, the correct explanation for the cause of colicky behavior in infants is paroxysmal abdominal pain.

4. A healthcare professional is educating a group of parents on preventing childhood obesity. What should the professional recommend?

• A. Encourage high-calorie snacks
• B. Limit screen time
• C. Encourage fast food as a treat
• D. Allow the child to eat freely

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to limit screen time when preventing childhood obesity. Excessive screen time is associated with a sedentary lifestyle and can lead to increased consumption of unhealthy foods. Encouraging high-calorie snacks (choice A) contradicts the goal of preventing obesity. While fast food as an occasional treat (choice C) can be acceptable in moderation, it should not be encouraged as a preventive measure against obesity. Allowing the child to eat freely (choice D) without guidance can lead to overconsumption of unhealthy foods and contribute to obesity risk.

5. A child with suspected Kawasaki disease is being assessed. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Generalized rash
• B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• C. High fever
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peeling skin on the hands and feet is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Kawasaki disease, known as desquamation. This occurs during the convalescent phase of the illness, typically around 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. While a generalized rash can be present in Kawasaki disease, peeling skin on the hands and feet is a more specific and distinctive feature. High fever is also a common symptom of Kawasaki disease, usually lasting for at least 5 days, while a low-grade fever is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the nurse is more likely to observe peeling skin on the hands and feet in a child suspected of having Kawasaki disease, making option B the correct choice.

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