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. How should professionals communicate with parents and family members?

• A. Share information with both parents to distribute the stress equally
• B. Share information with one parent to ensure accuracy
• C. Share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether family or not
• D. Provide information in writing exclusively to ensure clear communication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When professionals communicate with parents and family members, it is essential to share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether they are family members or not. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone involved in the child's care and well-being is well-informed and can provide support as needed. It is important to consider the broader network of individuals who play a role in the child's life to promote comprehensive and effective communication.

3. A neonate with a meningomyelocele is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Which nursing action is appropriate for this neonate?

• A. Applying a diaper to prevent contamination of the sac
• B. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position
• C. Encouraging the mother to hold the newborn because she will not be able to pick him up after surgery
• D. Positioning the newborn in a prone position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the newborn in a prone position is appropriate for a neonate with a meningomyelocele before surgery. Placing the newborn in this position helps prevent pressure on the sac, reducing the risk of damaging it and promoting optimal surgical outcomes. Applying a diaper (choice A) may not be recommended as it can increase pressure on the sac. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position (choice B) or encouraging the mother to hold the newborn (choice C) are not ideal actions before surgery as they do not address the specific needs of a neonate with a meningomyelocele.

4. A healthcare professional is assessing an infant who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Bounding pulses
• C. Hyperactivity
• D. Increased urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In infants with heart failure, one of the key manifestations is weight gain due to fluid retention. The heart's inability to pump effectively can lead to fluid buildup in the body, causing weight gain. Bounding pulses, hyperactivity, and increased urine output are not typically associated with heart failure in infants. Bounding pulses are associated with conditions like aortic regurgitation, hyperactivity can be a sign of other issues, and increased urine output is not a common finding in heart failure.

5. The caregiver is teaching a parent of a young child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder. The child is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) for control of seizures. Which parental statement indicates the need for further education?

• A. I will not use carbonated beverages to dilute his medication.
• B. I will give his medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• C. I will not let him chew his tablet.
• D. I will bring him to the physician's office for regular blood work to check his blood levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Valproic acid should be administered with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Giving it on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. The other statements are correct: A - Carbonated beverages should not be used to dilute the medication, C - The tablet should not be chewed, and D - Regular blood work is necessary to monitor valproic acid levels and potential side effects.

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