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. A child with a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting. What does this type of congenital disorder lead to primarily?

• A. Elevated hematocrit
• B. Severe growth retardation
• C. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
• D. Increased blood flow to the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Left-to-right shunting in a cardiac malformation results in increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased blood flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a characteristic directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not a typical manifestation of this type of congenital disorder. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions like chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases, not specifically with left-to-right shunting and associated cardiac malformations.

3. The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse how they can help their child prevent asthma attacks. What should the nurse advise?

• 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 often triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's exposure to these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise is beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general well-being but do not specifically address asthma prevention.

4. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Provide humidified oxygen
• C. Keep the child NPO
• D. Position the child upright

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted with epiglottitis is to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth). This is crucial to prevent further airway compromise due to the inflamed epiglottis. Administering antibiotics may be necessary but is not the priority at this moment. Providing humidified oxygen can support oxygenation but does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction. Positioning the child upright may help with breathing but does not address the risk of aspiration. Keeping the child NPO is essential to maintain a patent airway and prevent complications associated with epiglottitis.

5. When caring for a child and family who just moved out of a dangerous neighborhood, which of the following approaches is appropriate to the family stress theory?

• A. Determining who the decision maker is
• B. Assessing the child's coping abilities
• C. Finding out how siblings feel
• D. Explaining procedures to siblings

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the child's coping abilities is appropriate when applying the family stress theory because it helps understand how well the child is managing the stress of the situation. This assessment can provide insights into the child's emotional well-being and resilience, enabling healthcare providers to offer appropriate support. Choices A, C, and D are less relevant in the context of family stress theory. Determining who the decision-maker is may be important but is not directly related to assessing the child's coping abilities. Finding out how siblings feel and explaining procedures to siblings may be valuable aspects of care but are not specifically aligned with the core principles of the family stress theory, which focus on understanding and addressing stress within the family unit.

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