Nursing Elites

1. While caring for a 5-year-old child hospitalized for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Preventing infection
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Managing pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is preventing infection due to their compromised immune system. Children undergoing treatment for ALL are highly susceptible to infections, making infection prevention crucial for the child's well-being and treatment success. Administering antibiotics, though important in specific cases, is not the priority in this scenario. Providing nutritional support and managing pain are significant aspects of care but take a back seat to infection prevention in this situation.

2. A family has decided to withhold “extraordinary care” for a newborn with severe abnormalities. How should the nurse interpret this decision?

• A. The newborn has no rights.
• B. It is the same as euthanasia.
• C. It is illegal professional practice.
• D. The newborn is being allowed to die.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Withholding extraordinary care in cases of severe abnormalities is a legal and ethical decision. It allows the newborn to die naturally without aggressive interventions. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights. Choice B is incorrect because withholding extraordinary care is not equivalent to euthanasia, which involves actively ending a life. Choice C is incorrect because such decisions are legally and ethically permissible when made in consideration of the best interests of the newborn.

3. What are the most common signs and symptoms of leukemia related to bone marrow involvement?

• A. petechiae, infection, fatigue
• B. headache, papilledema, irritability
• C. muscle wasting, weight loss, fatigue
• D. decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: petechiae, infection, fatigue. In leukemia, bone marrow involvement leads to a decrease in normal blood cell production, resulting in petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), increased susceptibility to infections due to decreased white blood cells, and fatigue from anemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the typical signs and symptoms of leukemia with bone marrow involvement. Headache, papilledema, irritability, muscle wasting, weight loss, decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, and confusion are not typically associated with leukemia and bone marrow involvement.

4. A child has been diagnosed with classic hemophilia. A nurse teaches the child’s parents how to administer the plasma component factor VIII through a venous port. It is to be given 3 times a week. What should the nurse tell them about when to administer this therapy?

• A. Whenever a bleed is suspected
• B. In the morning on scheduled days
• C. At bedtime while the child is lying quietly in bed
• D. On a regular schedule at the parents’ convenience

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering factor VIII in the morning on scheduled days ensures that there is a consistent level of the plasma component throughout the day, especially when the child is active. This timing helps to maintain adequate levels of factor VIII to prevent bleeding episodes. Choice A is incorrect because administering factor VIII only when a bleed is suspected would not provide the consistent prophylactic coverage needed for children with hemophilia. Choice C is incorrect as bedtime administration may not be practical for ensuring the plasma component is available during the child's active hours. Choice D is incorrect because administering factor VIII on a regular schedule, rather than at specific times of the day, may not optimize its effectiveness in preventing bleeding episodes.

5. Why is it recommended that closure of the palate should be done before the age of 2 for an 11-month-old infant with a cleft palate?

• A. “After the age of 2, surgery becomes frightening and should be avoided if possible.”
• B. “The eruption of the 2-year molars often complicates the surgical procedure.”
• C. “As your child grows older, the palate widens, making repair more challenging.”
• D. “Surgery should be performed before your child begins to use faulty speech patterns.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is recommended to perform palate closure surgery before the child starts using faulty speech patterns to prevent the development of speech issues that may be harder to correct later. Delaying surgery until after the age of 2 can lead to the child forming incorrect speech habits, which can be challenging to correct. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific concern related to speech development in children with cleft palates.

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