Nursing Elites

1. When caring for an infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer antibiotics IM once per day.
• B. Initiate droplet precautions.
• C. Place the infant in a negative-pressure isolation room.
• D. Suction the nasopharynx as needed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), maintaining a patent airway is crucial. Suctioning the nasopharynx as needed helps clear secretions, prevent airway obstruction, and promote effective breathing. This intervention can aid in improving the infant's respiratory status and overall comfort. Administering antibiotics IM once per day (Choice A) is not indicated for RSV as it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Initiating droplet precautions (Choice B) is important to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like RSV, but directly caring for the infant involves more specific interventions. Placing the infant in a negative-pressure isolation room (Choice C) is generally reserved for airborne infections, not RSV which spreads through respiratory droplets.

2. A toddler is admitted to the surgical unit for a planned closure of a temporary colostomy. Which medical prescription should the nurse question?

• A. Clear liquids today, NPO tomorrow
• B. Type and cross-match for 1 unit of packed red blood cells
• C. Rectal temperatures every 4 hours
• D. Start an intravenous line with D5NS at 20 mL per hour

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Rectal temperatures should be avoided in a toddler with a colostomy due to the risk of injury. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate medical prescriptions for a toddler undergoing colostomy closure. Choice A ensures the toddler's intake of clear liquids before being made NPO, choice B prepares for possible blood transfusion needs, and choice D initiates intravenous hydration with D5NS at an appropriate rate.

3. A school-age child has peripheral edema. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to confirm peripheral edema?

• A. Palpate the dorsum of the child's feet
• B. Weigh the child daily using the same scale
• C. Assess the child's skin turgor
• D. Observe the child for periorbital swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To confirm peripheral edema in a child, the nurse should palpate the dorsum of the child's feet by pressing a fingertip against a bony prominence for 5 seconds. This assessment helps detect the presence of pitting edema, which is characterized by an indentation that remains after the pressure is released.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing an infant who has hydrocephalus and is 6 hours postoperative following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Which of the following findings should the provider report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Decreased urine output
• B. Temperature of 37.5 degrees C (99.5 degrees F)
• C. Heart rate 130/min
• D. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The provider should report the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid to the healthcare provider as it may indicate shunt malfunction or infection, requiring immediate attention to prevent complications. Decreased urine output, a temperature of 37.5 degrees C, and a heart rate of 130/min are common postoperative findings and may not be directly related to shunt function. While these findings should still be monitored, they do not require immediate reporting like cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

5. What is the priority nursing action when preparing a neonate born with a gastroschisis defect for transport to a pediatric hospital for corrective surgery?

• A. Covering the exposed intestines with sterile moist gauze
• B. Wrapping the newborn warmly in two or three blankets
• C. Providing sterile water feeding to maintain hydration during transport
• D. Allowing the parents of the newborn to see their child prior to transport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action when preparing a neonate born with a gastroschisis defect for transport is to cover the exposed intestines with sterile moist gauze. This action helps prevent infection and keeps the tissue viable during transportation to the pediatric hospital for corrective surgery.

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