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. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer an oral medication to a 4-year-old child. What is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation?

• A. Explain the medication's importance to the child
• B. Allow the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication
• C. Offer a reward after the medication is taken
• D. Give the medication mixed with a small amount of a favorite food

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation. This strategy can help distract and calm the child, making the medication administration process smoother. Explaining the medication's importance (Choice A) may not be as effective in gaining immediate cooperation from a young child who may not fully understand. Offering a reward after the medication is taken (Choice C) may create a dependency on rewards for cooperation. Giving the medication mixed with food (Choice D) may not always be appropriate or recommended, especially if the child needs to take the medication on an empty stomach.

3. A child is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Which laboratory test would the nurse expect the child to undergo to provide additional evidence for this condition?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• B. Potassium hydroxide prep
• C. Wound culture
• D. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. An elevated serum IgE level is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, reflecting an allergic response. Choice A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is a nonspecific test for inflammation and not specific to atopic dermatitis. Choice B, potassium hydroxide prep, is used to diagnose fungal infections like tinea versicolor, not atopic dermatitis. Choice C, wound culture, is not typically indicated for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis as it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition rather than an infectious process.

4. During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child’s reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. The child is repressing feelings for the parent.
• B. Routines have been established, and the child feels safe.
• C. The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.
• D. Behavior has improved because the child feels better physically.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.' This response indicates that the child is emotionally withdrawing due to the separation from the parent during hospitalization. Choice A is incorrect because the child's behavior does not necessarily suggest repressed feelings for the parent. Choice B is incorrect as feeling safe due to established routines does not fully explain the child's behavior. Choice D is incorrect because while feeling better physically may contribute to improved behavior, it does not address the emotional aspect of the child's reaction to the parent.

5. The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old boy with idiopathic thrombocytopenia. The nurse is providing discharge instructions about home care and safety recommendations to the boy and his parents. Which response indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We should avoid aspirin and medications like ibuprofen.
• B. He can resume participation in football in 2 weeks.
• C. Swimming would be a great activity.
• D. Our son cannot take any antihistamines.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B indicates a need for further teaching because participation in contact sports like football should be avoided in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenia due to the increased risk of bleeding. Choices A, C, and D are correct. Avoiding aspirin and medications like ibuprofen helps prevent bleeding complications. Swimming is a safe physical activity that can be recommended. Antihistamines do not pose a significant risk in this case and can be used if needed.

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