Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a child diagnosed with asthma, what is an important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Encouraging physical activity
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma as it helps to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier for the child. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases, so it is not recommended as a primary intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status, but administering bronchodilators would take precedence in this situation. Providing nutritional support is a general nursing intervention and not specific to managing asthma symptoms.

2. A parent receives a note from the school that a student in class has head lice. The parent calls the school nurse to ask how to check for head lice. What instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Ask the child where it itches.
• B. Check to see if your dog has ear mites.
• C. Look along the scalp line for white dots.
• D. Observe between the fingers for red lines.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to look along the scalp line for white dots (nits) when checking for head lice. White dots are indicative of head lice infestation. Itching alone, as mentioned in choice A, is not a reliable indicator of head lice. Choice B is irrelevant as it refers to checking for ear mites in a dog, not head lice in a human. Observing between the fingers for red lines, as in choice D, is not a method to check for head lice.

3. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

4. The nurse volunteering at a homeless shelter to assist families with children identifies homelessness as a risk preventing families from achieving positive outcomes in life. What family theory encompasses this approach to assessing family dynamics?

• A. Duvall's developmental theory
• B. Friedman's structural functional theory
• C. Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families
• D. Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation focuses on identifying the elements of risks and protective factors that help families achieve positive outcomes. In this scenario, the nurse recognizing homelessness as a risk aligns with the resiliency model, which emphasizes how families cope and adapt in the face of stressors. Duvall's theory primarily focuses on family life cycle stages, Friedman's theory emphasizes the roles and functions within a family structure, and Von Bertalanffy's theory looks at families as complex systems rather than specifically addressing resilience in the face of stressors.

5. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. The woman states that her contractions are occurring every 4 to 5 minutes and lasting approximately 30 seconds each. Which of the following questions would be most appropriate to ask at this point?

• A. Has your bag of waters broken yet?
• B. Have you had regular prenatal care?
• C. At how many weeks gestation are you?
• D. How many other children do you have?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, asking about the gestational age is crucial as it helps determine the stage of labor and potential complications. Knowing the number of weeks of gestation can guide the healthcare provider in assessing the progress of labor and making decisions about the care of both the mother and the baby. Choices A, B, and D are not as relevant in this urgent situation. While knowing if the bag of waters has broken is important for assessing the progress of labor, determining gestational age is more critical at this point. Asking about regular prenatal care or the number of other children does not provide immediate information necessary for managing the current situation.

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