Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pain medication
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with sickle cell anemia is administering pain medication. Pain management is crucial in sickle cell anemia due to vaso-occlusive crises that can cause severe pain. While ensuring adequate hydration, providing nutritional support, and monitoring vital signs are important aspects of care for a child with sickle cell anemia, addressing the pain with appropriate medication takes precedence to alleviate the child's suffering and improve their quality of life.

2. During a routine monthly examination, a 5-month-old infant is brought to the pediatric clinic. What assessment finding should alert the nurse to notify the health care provider immediately?

• A. Temperature of 99.5°F
• B. Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg
• C. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute in a 5-month-old infant is higher than the expected range and may indicate respiratory distress. This finding is concerning and should prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider for further evaluation and intervention. A temperature of 99.5°F, blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg, and heart rate of 100 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a 5-month-old infant. Elevated temperature may indicate a mild fever, which can be monitored. A blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg is within the normal range for infants. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute is also within the expected range for a 5-month-old infant and does not typically require immediate notification of the health care provider.

3. A child is being assessed for suspected intussusception. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare provider likely to observe?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Currant jelly stools
• C. Abdominal distension
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation the healthcare provider is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception involves one portion of the intestine telescoping into another, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and buildup of gas and fluid in the affected area. While projectile vomiting can occur, it is not as specific to intussusception as abdominal distension. Currant jelly stools, which are stools containing blood and mucus, are a classic sign of intussusception but are not a clinical manifestation observable on assessment. Constipation is not typically associated with intussusception, as this condition often presents with symptoms of bowel obstruction rather than constipation.

4. A nurse is developing a teaching plan for an 8-year-old child who has recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. What developmental characteristic of a child this age should the nurse consider?

• A. Child is in the concrete operational stage of cognition.
• B. Child’s dependence on peer influence is increasing.
• C. Child will welcome opportunities for participation in self-care.
• D. Child’s developmental stage involves achieving a sense of autonomy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. At the age of 8, children are typically in the stage of industry vs. inferiority according to Erikson's psychosocial theory. This stage is characterized by a desire to engage in productive activities and take on responsibilities. Thus, the child will likely welcome opportunities for participation in self-care related to their diabetes management. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is inaccurate as children at this age are usually in the concrete operational stage of cognitive development, not abstract. Choice B is incorrect because while peer influence is significant, it has not reached its peak at this age. Choice D is wrong as achieving a sense of identity is a developmental task more commonly associated with adolescence, not 8-year-old children.

5. The nurse is teaching the parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome how to maintain good health for the child. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include?

• A. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age
• B. Adhering to the special dietary needs of the child
• C. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of age
• D. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. While special dietary needs may be important for a child with Down syndrome, they are typically not the primary concern for a 1-month-old. The nurse would be least likely to focus on this aspect as immediate issues such as monitoring for congenital heart defects (echocardiogram), cervical spine abnormalities (radiographs), and respiratory infections are more critical in the early months. Adhering to dietary needs is important, but it is usually addressed as the child grows older and is not the priority during the infant stage.

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