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. A healthcare provider is assessing an infant who has hydrocephalus and is 6 hours postoperative following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Which of the following findings should the provider report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Decreased urine output
• B. Temperature of 37.5 degrees C (99.5 degrees F)
• C. Heart rate 130/min
• D. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The provider should report the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid to the healthcare provider as it may indicate shunt malfunction or infection, requiring immediate attention to prevent complications. Decreased urine output, a temperature of 37.5 degrees C, and a heart rate of 130/min are common postoperative findings and may not be directly related to shunt function. While these findings should still be monitored, they do not require immediate reporting like cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

3. When preparing to insert an intravenous catheter for a 7-year-old child, which of the following actions should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Apply an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure.
• B. Use a 16-gauge needle for the insertion.
• C. Insert the catheter into a vein of the child's dominant hand.
• D. Choose a site over the child's metacarpal veins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Applying an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure is crucial when inserting an intravenous catheter in a child to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. This practice is especially important in pediatric patients to ensure a more comfortable experience and improve cooperation during the insertion process. Choice B is incorrect as a 16-gauge needle is too large for a child, and a smaller gauge needle is typically used. Choice C is incorrect as the catheter should be inserted into a suitable vein, not specifically the dominant hand vein. Choice D is incorrect as metacarpal veins are usually avoided due to their small size and the potential for complications.

4. A caregiver is teaching a parent of a child with a new prescription for ferrous sulfate tablets. Which of the following instructions should the caregiver include in the teaching?

• A. Give the medication with milk.
• B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Avoid giving the medication with orange juice.
• D. Brush the child's teeth after administration.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important for the caregiver to instruct the parent to brush the child's teeth after administering ferrous sulfate to prevent staining of the teeth. Iron in ferrous sulfate can cause teeth discoloration, so brushing the child's teeth after taking the medication helps prevent this side effect.

5. Which is the priority nursing assessment when providing care for an infant at risk for dehydration?

• A. Urine output
• B. Urine specific gravity
• C. Vital signs
• D. Daily weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Daily weight. Daily weight is a crucial assessment in infants at risk for dehydration because changes in weight can indicate fluid balance and dehydration status. It is essential to monitor daily weight to promptly identify and manage dehydration in infants.

Similar Questions