Nursing Elites

1. A parent of a 2-month-old infant, who was treated for pyloric stenosis, is receiving discharge instructions from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will burp our baby more frequently during feedings
• B. We should feed our baby in an upright position
• C. We will lay our baby on their stomach after feeding
• D. We will start feeding our baby with small, frequent feedings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing infants on their stomach after feeding increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is important to educate parents to always place infants on their back to sleep to reduce this risk.

2. The mother calls the clinic and tells the practical nurse (PN) that her child cannot swallow a prescribed tablet that was dispensed by the local pharmacy as a whole tablet. How should the PN respond?

• A. You can crush the tablet and mix it with food.
• B. You should not force the child to swallow the tablets by holding her nose closed.
• C. If a liquid form is available, the pharmacist can be contacted for a prescription change.
• D. Do not advise the child to chew the tablet if she cannot swallow it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a child is unable to swallow a tablet, the appropriate response is to consider if a liquid form of the medication is available. This is a safer and more effective alternative than forcing the child to swallow or chew the tablet. Contacting the pharmacist for a prescription change can provide a suitable solution that ensures the child receives the medication in a more manageable form. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because crushing the tablet and mixing it with food may alter the medication's effectiveness or taste, forcing the child to swallow or holding her nose closed can be distressing and ineffective, and advising the child to chew the tablet is not recommended as an alternative to swallowing it.

3. A child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis is demonstrating Kussmaul respirations. The nurse determines that the increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism for which acid-base alteration?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis.
• B. Respiratory acidosis.
• C. Respiratory alkalosis.
• D. Metabolic acidosis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns observed in metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this condition, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and decrease the acid levels, thereby helping to correct the acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the correct answer is metabolic acidosis.

4. A 5-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. The child’s parent reports that the pain started suddenly and is located in the lower right abdomen. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• C. Start an IV line for fluid administration
• D. Obtain a complete blood count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. The child's presentation of sudden, severe abdominal pain in the lower right abdomen is highly concerning for appendicitis, a medical emergency. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider is crucial for further evaluation and management. Administering pain medication as the first action might mask symptoms and delay diagnosis. Starting an IV line for fluid administration and obtaining a complete blood count are important interventions but should come after healthcare provider notification.

5. A 7-year-old child with leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. The mother asks the practical nurse (PN) how to manage the child's nausea at home. What advice should the PN provide?

• A. Provide small, frequent meals.
• B. Encourage the child to eat spicy foods.
• C. Offer large meals less frequently.
• D. Allow the child to eat whatever they want.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During chemotherapy, children may experience nausea. Providing small, frequent meals can help manage nausea as they are easier to tolerate, reducing the likelihood of vomiting. It is important to offer bland, non-spicy foods to avoid exacerbating nausea. Encouraging large meals less frequently or allowing the child to eat whatever they want may overwhelm the digestive system and worsen nausea. Therefore, the correct advice is to provide small, frequent meals to help the child manage nausea effectively.

Similar Questions