Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.

2. What should the nurse advise the parents of a child with asthma on preventing asthma attacks?

• A. Avoid exposure to allergens
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Increase fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are commonly triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's contact with these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general health but are not specific preventive measures for asthma attacks.

3. An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?

• A. Cellular metabolism is unstable in young children.
• B. The proportion of water in the body is less than in adults.
• C. Renal function is immature in children until they reach school age.
• D. The extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight is greater than in adults.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect because cellular metabolism being unstable is not the primary explanation for the symptoms described. Choice B is incorrect as the proportion of water in the body alone does not fully explain the increased risk of dehydration in infants. Choice C is incorrect because while renal function is immature in children, it is not the most relevant factor in this scenario compared to the increased fluid requirements.

4. An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect when palpating the infant’s abdomen?

• A. A distended colon
• B. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus
• C. An olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant
• D. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When palpating the abdomen of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), the nurse would expect to feel an olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant. This finding is characteristic of HPS due to the hypertrophied pylorus muscle. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not typically associated with HPS. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not a specific finding of HPS. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not expected in HPS, as the condition primarily affects the pylorus region of the stomach.

5. A 7-year-old child with a history of seizures is being discharged from the hospital. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for the parents?

• A. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed, not just when a seizure occurs
• B. Ensure the child gets adequate sleep
• C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
• D. Teach seizure first aid to family members

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to teach seizure first aid to family members. This is crucial because family members need to know how to appropriately respond during a seizure to ensure the child's safety. Choice A has been corrected to emphasize that antiepileptic medication should be administered as prescribed, not just when a seizure occurs, to effectively manage the condition. Choice B, while important for overall health, is not directly related to seizure management. Choice C is not recommended as restricting activities may not prevent seizures and may hinder the child's quality of life.

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