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 child with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the child’s care plan?

• A. Monitoring fluid status
• B. Encouraging activity
• C. Promoting a high-calorie diet
• D. Maintaining oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload, which can exacerbate their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications such as heart failure. Encouraging activity may be important, but it should be done cautiously and within limits due to the child's cardiac condition. Promoting a high-calorie diet is not typically a priority in congenital heart disease care unless there are specific indications. Maintaining oxygen therapy may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for managing congenital heart disease.

3. Which best describes a full-thickness (third-degree) burn?

• A. Erythema and pain
• B. Skin showing erythema followed by blister formation
• C. Destruction of all layers of skin evident with extension into subcutaneous tissue
• D. Destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A full-thickness (third-degree) burn involves the destruction of all layers of skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and extending into the subcutaneous tissue. This type of burn results in significant tissue damage and can appear pale, charred, or leathery. Choice A is incorrect as erythema and pain are more characteristic of superficial burns. Choice B describes a partial-thickness burn where the skin shows erythema followed by blister formation, involving the epidermis and part of the dermis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a deeper type of injury involving structures beyond the skin layers, such as muscle, fascia, and bone, which is not specific to a full-thickness burn.

4. After the nurse has completed an oral examination of a healthy 2-year-old child, the parent asks when the child should first be taken to the dentist. When is the most appropriate time in the child’s life for the nurse to suggest?

• A. Before starting school
• B. Within the next few months
• C. When the first deciduous teeth are lost
• D. At the next dental check-up for a family member

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate time for a child to first visit the dentist is within the next few months after turning two years old. This visit allows the dentist to assess the child's oral health, provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, and establish a positive relationship with dental care. Choice A (Before starting school) is not as specific and timely as the recommended age of 2 years. Choice C (When the first deciduous teeth are lost) is not ideal as preventive dental visits should start earlier to establish good oral health habits. Choice D (At the next dental check-up for a family member) may delay the child's first dental visit, missing the opportunity for early preventive care and guidance.

5. A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Maintain a structured routine
• B. Encourage social interaction
• C. Use positive reinforcement
• D. Use a communication board

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain a structured routine. Children with autism spectrum disorder benefit from a structured routine as it provides them with stability and predictability, which can help reduce anxiety and improve behavior management. Encouraging social interaction (Choice B) may not be suitable for all children with autism, as some may struggle with social skills. While positive reinforcement (Choice C) is a helpful strategy, maintaining a structured routine is more essential for overall management in children with autism spectrum disorder. Using a communication board (Choice D) may be beneficial for communication, but establishing a structured routine is a foundational strategy that should be prioritized in the discharge teaching for a child with autism spectrum disorder.

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