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. What should an adolescent with type 1 diabetes do if an insulin reaction is experienced while at a basketball game?

• A. Call your parents immediately.
• B. Buy a soda and hamburger to eat.
• C. Administer insulin as soon as possible.
• D. Leave the arena and rest until the symptoms subside.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choosing option B, 'Buy a soda and hamburger to eat,' is the most appropriate action for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes experiencing an insulin reaction during a basketball game. In this situation, the individual is likely experiencing hypoglycemia, and consuming a soda provides a quick source of sugar to raise blood glucose levels rapidly. The hamburger can offer a more sustained release of energy due to its protein and fat content. Option A is incorrect because while contacting parents for help may be necessary in some situations, immediate action to address hypoglycemia is crucial. Option C is incorrect because administering insulin would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the condition. Option D is incorrect as leaving the arena without addressing the hypoglycemia can lead to a worsening of symptoms and potentially dangerous outcomes.

3. A child with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering intravenous fluids
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Monitoring for signs of dehydration
• D. Monitoring for signs of pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with pyloric stenosis is to monitor for signs of dehydration. Pyloric stenosis can lead to vomiting, which can result in dehydration. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is crucial to ensure the child's fluid balance is maintained. Administering intravenous fluids, although important for managing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, would typically be done postoperatively rather than as a preoperative intervention. Monitoring for signs of infection is important but not specific to the preoperative period for pyloric stenosis. Monitoring for signs of pain is also important but may not be the most critical preoperative intervention in this scenario.

4. A 2-week-old infant is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect. The parents report that their baby has had difficulty feeding since coming home after birth. What should the nurse consider before responding?

• A. Feeding problems are common in neonates.
• B. Inadequate sucking is not significant unless cyanosis is present.
• C. Ineffective sucking and swallowing may be early indications of a heart defect.
• D. Many neonates retain mucus, which can interfere with feeding for several weeks.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ineffective sucking and swallowing can be early signs of a heart defect like a ventricular septal defect. This is crucial information for the nurse to consider as it aligns with the infant's tentative diagnosis. Choice A is too general and does not provide specific relevance to the situation. Choice B is incorrect as inadequate sucking can indeed be significant, especially in the context of a potential heart defect. Choice D is not directly related to the potential heart defect and feeding difficulties mentioned in the scenario.

5. A child with sickle cell anemia develops severe chest pain, fever, a cough, and dyspnea. The nurse's first action is to

• A. administer 100% oxygen to relieve hypoxia
• B. administer pain medication to relieve symptoms
• C. notify the practitioner because chest syndrome is suspected
• D. notify the practitioner because the child may be having a stroke

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing severe chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea, the priority action is to suspect acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication. The nurse's first action should be to notify the practitioner for immediate evaluation and intervention. Administering 100% oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the initial priority. Administering pain medication (Choice B) should not precede notifying the practitioner, as addressing the underlying cause is crucial. The symptoms described are more indicative of acute chest syndrome than a stroke, so notifying the practitioner for chest syndrome (Choice C) takes precedence over suspecting a stroke (Choice D).

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