Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who has thrombocytopenia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Administer aspirin as needed for fever.
• B. Avoid venipunctures whenever possible.
• C. Encourage the child to participate in contact sports.
• D. Administer ibuprofen for pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid venipunctures whenever possible.' Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Venipunctures can cause bleeding in these patients; therefore, they should be avoided whenever possible. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin should be avoided in patients with thrombocytopenia as it can further increase the risk of bleeding due to its antiplatelet effects. Choice C is incorrect because participating in contact sports can also increase the risk of injury and bleeding in a child with thrombocytopenia. Choice D is incorrect as ibuprofen, like aspirin, can also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in these patients.

2. A 4-year-old client with intractable seizures has been on a ketogenic diet for the last 6 months, with a decrease in seizure activity. This child is now admitted to the pediatric unit with left-sided pain. Which possible complication to this diet does the nurse suspect?

• A. Appendicitis
• B. Bowel obstruction
• C. Urinary tract infection
• D. Kidney stones

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The ketogenic diet increases the risk of kidney stones.

3. A patient develops hypotension, laryngeal edema, and bronchospasm after eating peanuts. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Epinephrine
• C. Diphenhydramine
• D. Hydroxyzine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The patient is exhibiting symptoms of anaphylaxis triggered by a peanut allergy, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The appropriate medication for anaphylaxis is epinephrine. Epinephrine acts quickly to reverse the symptoms by constricting blood vessels, relaxing bronchial muscles, and reducing laryngeal edema, making it the drug of choice for this situation. Promethazine, diphenhydramine, and hydroxyzine are not the first-line treatments for anaphylaxis. Promethazine is an antihistamine with sedative effects, Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine, and Hydroxyzine is also an antihistamine with sedative properties. While these medications can help with mild allergic reactions, they are not as effective or fast-acting as epinephrine in treating the severe manifestations of anaphylaxis.

4. What is it called when the therapist adjusts the difficulty level of an activity to match the child's abilities by bringing a toy closer for them to successfully reach and grasp during therapy?

• A. Compensating
• B. Adapting
• C. Grading
• D. Modifying

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Grading. Grading involves adjusting the difficulty level of an activity to match the child's abilities. Bringing a toy closer for easier reach is an example of grading in therapy, helping the child succeed in reaching and grasping the toy within their current capabilities. Choice A, Compensating, implies making up for a deficit, which is not the case here. Choice B, Adapting, suggests changing the activity itself, not just the difficulty level. Choice D, Modifying, indicates altering the toy or the task itself, rather than adjusting the task's difficulty level.

5. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

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