Nursing Elites

1. A school-age child is 2 hours postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Place a heating pad at the surgical site.
• B. Encourage the child to cough every 2 hours.
• C. Administer analgesics to the child on a regular schedule.
• D. Apply an ice collar to the child's neck.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a tonsillectomy, applying an ice collar to the child's neck helps decrease pain and swelling. Heat should be avoided as it can increase bleeding. Encouraging coughing may increase the risk of bleeding. Administering analgesics on a regular schedule is essential for pain management, but the immediate postoperative period may require additional interventions like ice collar application.

2. Which physical assessment technique should be omitted when caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Wilms' tumor?

• A. Performing range-of-motion exercises on lower extremities
• B. Palpating the abdomen
• C. Assessing for bowel sounds
• D. Percussing ankle and knee reflexes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Palpating the abdomen should be omitted when caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Wilms' tumor because it could disturb the tumor and potentially cause the malignancy to spread. The other assessment techniques are safe to perform and provide valuable information about the child's condition. Range-of-motion exercises help assess mobility and joint health, assessing for bowel sounds is important to monitor gastrointestinal function, and percussing ankle and knee reflexes can help evaluate neurological responses.

3. A child with suspected bacterial meningitis is under the care of a nurse. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
• B. Maintain the child on NPO status.
• C. Monitor the child's intake and output.
• D. Implement seizure precautions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for a child with suspected bacterial meningitis is to implement seizure precautions. Meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may trigger seizures. By implementing seizure precautions, such as padding the side rails of the bed and ensuring a clear environment, the nurse aims to prevent injury during a potential seizure episode, prioritizing the child's safety. Administering antibiotics as prescribed is essential in treating bacterial meningitis, but seizure precautions take precedence due to the immediate risk of injury. Maintaining NPO status and monitoring intake and output are important aspects of care but are not the priority when considering the risk of seizures.

4. What side effect should the nurse include in the parent teaching for a child prescribed a baclofen pump for cerebral palsy?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Hypertonia
• C. Hypotonia
• D. Restlessness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a child is prescribed a baclofen pump for cerebral palsy, one of the common side effects to include in parent teaching is hypotonia. Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, can lead to decreased muscle tone, resulting in hypotonia. It is important for parents to be aware of this potential side effect and know how to respond accordingly.

5. Which statement best describes the recommended approach to increase participation as the focus of intervention with children and youth?

• A. Remediate areas of concern and the child's limitations
• B. Intervene with family and friends to interact differently with the child
• C. Promote the child's strengths and allow the child to accommodate challenges
• D. Evaluate the child's areas of competence and achievement, along with challenges

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The recommended approach to intervention with children and youth focuses on evaluating the child's areas of competence and achievement, along with challenges. By understanding the child's strengths and competencies, interventions can be tailored to build upon these existing positive attributes. This approach fosters a positive self-image and encourages further development by capitalizing on the child's strengths.

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