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. When caring for a 2-year-old girl who is wheezing and has difficulty breathing, which interview question would provide the most useful information related to the symptoms of the child?

• A. Inquiring about child safety in the home
• B. Asking about the temperament of the child
• C. Asking about the child's diet
• D. Asking the parents if they smoke in the home

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Asking the parents if they smoke in the home is the most relevant question as exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing in children. This information is crucial for identifying potential triggers for the child's symptoms. Inquiring about child safety in the home, asking about the child's temperament, and inquiring about the child's diet, while important aspects of care, may not directly address the respiratory symptoms the child is experiencing.

3. A healthcare provider is discussing the care of an infant with colic with the parents. What should the healthcare provider explain is the cause of colicky behavior?

• A. Inadequate peristalsis
• B. Paroxysmal abdominal pain
• C. An allergic response to certain proteins in milk
• D. A protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Colicky behavior in infants is primarily characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, resulting in excessive crying and fussiness. The pain episodes are often unpredictable and can be distressing for both the infant and the parents. Inadequate peristalsis (Choice A) refers to weak or ineffective bowel movements and is not the typical cause of colic. While some infants may experience colic due to an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), this is not the primary cause of colic behavior in all infants. Choice D, a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins, is not a recognized cause of colic. Therefore, the correct explanation for the cause of colicky behavior in infants is paroxysmal abdominal pain.

4. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?

• A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
• B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
• C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
• D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.

5. The school nurse is caring for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess. What supportive measures should the nurse use until factor replacement therapy can be instituted?

• A. Apply warm, moist compresses
• B. Apply pressure for at least 1 minute
• C. Elevate the area above the level of the heart
• D. Begin passive range-of-motion unless the pain is severe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct supportive measure for the school nurse to use for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess is to elevate the area above the level of the heart. Elevating the affected area helps reduce bleeding and swelling in a child with hemophilia until factor replacement therapy can be provided. Applying warm, moist compresses (Choice A) may worsen bleeding by dilating blood vessels. Applying pressure for at least 1 minute (Choice B) is not recommended for hemophilia as it can lead to increased bleeding. Beginning passive range-of-motion (Choice D) should be avoided as it can exacerbate bleeding and further injury in a child with hemophilia.

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