a nurse is caring for a child who has just returned from surgery for a tracheostomy what is the priority nursing action
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatric Practice Exam HESI

1. After a child returns from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning helps maintain a clear airway and prevent complications such as airway obstruction or respiratory distress. While monitoring respiratory status is important, suctioning takes precedence immediately post-surgery to ensure adequate air exchange. Changing the tracheostomy dressing and ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure are also essential tasks but are secondary to the critical need for airway maintenance through suctioning.

2. After clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress, what is the most important action for you to take?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial as newborns are at high risk of hypothermia due to their large body surface area and limited subcutaneous fat. Hypothermia can lead to complications such as respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and metabolic acidosis. Providing warmth helps maintain the newborn's body temperature and supports physiological processes, promoting overall well-being. Applying free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after addressing the immediate need for warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important for assessing the newborn's overall condition but ensuring warmth takes precedence to prevent complications related to hypothermia.

3. A 5-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child admitted with bacterial meningitis is isolating the child. Isolation is crucial to prevent the spread of the highly contagious infection to other patients and healthcare workers. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) is important but isolating the child takes precedence to contain the spread of the infection. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) and administering fluids (Choice D) are essential aspects of care but do not address the immediate need to prevent transmission of the infection.

4. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is administering pancreatic enzymes. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas is often affected, leading to insufficient production of digestive enzymes. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. While respiratory therapy, nutritional support, and physical activity are essential components of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, addressing the digestive aspect by administering pancreatic enzymes takes priority to prevent malnutrition and promote overall health.

5. When a child with a diagnosis of asthma is prescribed a peak flow meter, what should the nurse teach the child and parents about using this device?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to record the best of three attempts when using a peak flow meter. This method provides a more accurate measure of peak expiratory flow. Choice A is incorrect because using the device before taking medication may not reflect the actual peak flow, as medication can affect lung function. Choice B is incorrect as using the device during asthma attacks may not be feasible or safe, as the focus during an attack should be on managing symptoms rather than measuring peak flow. Choice D is incorrect because using the device after eating may not provide an accurate measurement of peak flow, as digestion can affect lung function temporarily.

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