Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the healthcare professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often the last sign of heart failure in infants and children as it indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (Choice A) and tachycardia (Choice B) are early signs of heart failure due to the body's compensatory mechanisms. Periorbital edema (Choice D) can occur in heart failure but is not typically the last sign; it is more commonly associated with renal or hepatic dysfunction.

2. A nurse is caring for an infant with phenylketonuria (PKU). What diet should the nurse anticipate will be ordered by the healthcare provider?

• A. Fat-free
• B. Protein-enriched
• C. Phenylalanine-free
• D. Low-phenylalanine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A low-phenylalanine diet is necessary for infants with PKU because it helps prevent the accumulation of phenylalanine, which can result in brain damage. Fat-free (Choice A) and protein-enriched (Choice B) diets are not specifically indicated for PKU. While phenylalanine-free (Choice C) may seem logical, complete elimination of phenylalanine is not practical or safe as it is an essential amino acid. Therefore, the correct choice is a low-phenylalanine diet, which restricts phenylalanine intake to a safe level.

3. An infant who had cardiac surgery for a congenital defect is to be discharged. What should the nurse emphasize to the parents regarding administering the prescribed antibiotic?

• A. Give the antibiotic between feedings.
• B. Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.
• C. Shake the bottle thoroughly before administering the antibiotic.
• D. Keep the antibiotic in the refrigerator after opening the bottle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.' It's crucial to stress the importance of following the prescribed antibiotic regimen to prevent infections and promote proper healing after cardiac surgery. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the fundamental aspect of adherence to the prescription. Choice C is incorrect as shaking the bottle may not be necessary for all antibiotics and is not a critical instruction in this context. Choice D is incorrect as storage instructions are not directly related to the administration of the antibiotic as prescribed, which is the primary concern in this scenario.

4. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is administering pancreatic enzymes. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas is often affected, leading to insufficient production of digestive enzymes. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. While respiratory therapy, nutritional support, and physical activity are essential components of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, addressing the digestive aspect by administering pancreatic enzymes takes priority to prevent malnutrition and promote overall health.

5. What is one of the most important factors that a healthcare professional must consider when parents of a toddler request to be present at a procedure occurring on the hospital unit?

• A. Type of procedure to be performed
• B. Individual assessment of the parents
• C. Whether the toddler wants the parents present
• D. Probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When parents of a toddler request to be present during a procedure, an individual assessment of the parents is crucial. This assessment helps healthcare professionals understand the parents' ability to cope with the situation, provide support to their child, and ensure a conducive environment for the procedure. Choice A is not as critical because the focus is on the parents' readiness rather than the specific procedure. Choice C, considering the toddler's desire, is important but not as crucial as assessing the parents. Choice D, anticipating the toddler's response to pain, is relevant but secondary to assessing the parents' readiness and support capabilities.

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