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. In caring for an adolescent with severe abdominal pain due to appendicitis, where should the nurse identify as McBurney's point?

• A. Right lower quadrant
• B. Left lower quadrant
• C. Right upper quadrant
• D. Left upper quadrant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: McBurney's point is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, specifically between the umbilicus and the anterior iliac crest. This point is significant in diagnosing appendicitis, as tenderness at McBurney's point is a classic sign of appendicitis and indicates inflammation near the appendix. Therefore, the correct answer is the 'Right lower quadrant.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because McBurney's point is not located in the left lower quadrant, right upper quadrant, or left upper quadrant of the abdomen.

3. The patient is receiving a heparin infusion for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding is most likely related to an adverse effect of heparin?

• A. HR of 60 bpm
• B. BP of 160/88
• C. Discolored urine
• D. Inspiratory wheezing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary and most serious adverse effect of heparin is bleeding. However, discolored urine can indicate bleeding into the urinary tract, which is a potential adverse effect of heparin therapy. While changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) can occur due to various reasons, discolored urine specifically points towards a potential adverse effect related to heparin therapy.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a vaccine to a child who has hemophilia. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Administer the vaccine subcutaneously
• B. Administer the vaccine intramuscularly
• C. Use a 1-inch needle
• D. Apply pressure to the site for 1 to 2 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering the vaccine intramuscularly to a child with hemophilia is preferred to reduce the risk of bleeding. Hemophiliac individuals have a decreased ability to form blood clots, and administering vaccines intramuscularly reduces the risk of bleeding compared to subcutaneous administration. Using an appropriate needle length and applying pressure to the site post-injection are important steps, but choosing the intramuscular route is crucial in this case to minimize bleeding complications.

5. Which statement best reflects a top-down approach to the evaluation process?

• A. OT focuses on evaluating the child's poor performance in hand skills
• B. OT conducts an assessment to determine a motor age for fine motor and gross motor skills
• C. OT initiates by interviewing the family about routines, interests, and daily habits
• D. OT starts by assessing muscle tone, postural control, and range of motion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A top-down evaluation approach in occupational therapy begins with understanding the child's daily life, family routines, interests, and habits to ensure that the therapy provided is relevant and meaningful within the child's natural environment. By initiating the evaluation process with family interviews to gather contextual information, the occupational therapist gains a comprehensive view of the child's life, which allows for a more holistic and client-centered approach. Choice A focuses solely on the child's poor performance in hand skills, which is more characteristic of a bottom-up approach. Choice B mentions determining a motor age, which is not necessarily aligned with a top-down assessment. Choice D emphasizes physical assessments like muscle tone and range of motion, which are important but do not capture the essence of a top-down approach that considers the child's environment and routines.

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