Nursing Elites

1. A child with suspected bacterial meningitis is under the care of a nurse. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
• B. Maintain the child on NPO status.
• C. Monitor the child's intake and output.
• D. Implement seizure precautions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for a child with suspected bacterial meningitis is to implement seizure precautions. Meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may trigger seizures. By implementing seizure precautions, such as padding the side rails of the bed and ensuring a clear environment, the nurse aims to prevent injury during a potential seizure episode, prioritizing the child's safety. Administering antibiotics as prescribed is essential in treating bacterial meningitis, but seizure precautions take precedence due to the immediate risk of injury. Maintaining NPO status and monitoring intake and output are important aspects of care but are not the priority when considering the risk of seizures.

2. A child is being cared for by a nurse and has rheumatic fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Administer aspirin to the child as prescribed based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
• B. Encourage adequate fluid intake for the child.
• C. Elevate the child's joints and provide warm compresses.
• D. Monitor the child's heart rate for dysrhythmias.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rheumatic fever can lead to cardiac complications, such as dysrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the child's heart rate closely for any signs of dysrhythmias. This will help in early identification and prompt management of potential cardiac issues associated with rheumatic fever. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority actions in this scenario. While aspirin may be used in the treatment of rheumatic fever, monitoring for cardiac complications takes precedence. Encouraging fluid intake and providing warm compresses are helpful interventions but do not directly address the cardiac risks associated with rheumatic fever.

3. A child is being cared for following a head injury. Which of the following findings should indicate to the healthcare provider that the child is developing diabetes insipidus?

• A. Urine specific gravity of 1.045
• B. Sodium level of 155
• C. Blood glucose level of 45
• D. Urine output of 35 ml per hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a child with a head injury, the development of diabetes insipidus can occur due to pituitary hypofunction, leading to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. An elevated sodium level (hypernatremia) is a key finding in diabetes insipidus due to the excessive loss of free water in the urine, resulting in increased sodium concentration in the blood.

4. When teaching a parent of a toddler with a new prescription for liquid ferrous sulfate, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Mix the medication with milk.
• B. Give the medication with orange juice.
• C. Give the medication with meals.
• D. Administer the medication with an antacid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to give the medication with orange juice. Orange juice helps increase the absorption of iron from ferrous sulfate. This acidic environment aids in the absorption of iron, making it a suitable choice for administration. Mixing the medication with milk or an antacid may decrease iron absorption, and giving it with meals may not optimize its absorption as effectively as with orange juice.

5. Which assessment finding would necessitate action by the nurse for a 10-month-old child who is 4 hours postoperative for the placement of a urethral stent?

• A. Bloody urine
• B. One void since returning from surgery
• C. Bladder spasms responding to pharmacologic intervention
• D. Double diapering from the previous shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a postoperative scenario after the placement of a urethral stent, monitoring the child's voiding frequency is crucial. Having only one void since returning from surgery could indicate potential issues like urinary retention, which necessitates prompt nursing intervention to prevent complications.

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