Nursing Elites

1. When teaching a parent of a toddler with congenital heart disease, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Offer small, frequent meals.
• B. Limit the toddler's physical activity.
• C. Provide a low-sodium diet.
• D. Monitor the toddler's intake and output.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a parent of a toddler with congenital heart disease is to offer small, frequent meals. This recommendation helps reduce the cardiac workload on the child's heart and supports easier digestion and nutrient absorption, promoting the child's overall health. Limiting physical activity (choice B) may be necessary but is not the priority in this case. While offering a low-sodium diet (choice C) can be beneficial, it is not the most critical instruction. Monitoring the toddler's intake and output (choice D) is important but not as essential as providing small, frequent meals to support the child's heart health.

2. A child is admitted to the hospital for hypercalcemia and is placed on diuretic therapy. Which diuretic would the nurse expect to administer?

• A. Furosemide (Lasix)
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide (Aquazide)
• C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• D. Mannitol (Osmitrol)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney to increase calcium excretion. In the setting of hypercalcemia, where there is an elevated level of calcium in the blood, Furosemide can help promote the elimination of excess calcium through the urine, thereby aiding in the management of hypercalcemia.

3. 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.

4. The mother of a 5-year-old child taking prednisone for nephrotic syndrome tells the nurse he needs to get immunizations to enter kindergarten. What does the nurse clarify about receiving immunizations while on prednisone?

• A. Can interfere with the treatment for nephrosis.
• B. Require that the child have antibiotic coverage.
• C. Can be given in smaller, divided doses.
• D. Should be delayed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: No vaccinations or immunizations should be administered while the disease is active and during immunosuppressive therapy.

5. When educating a parent of an infant with a new prescription for digoxin, which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Repeat the dose if the infant vomits.
• B. Mix the medication with food.
• C. Give the medication with meals.
• D. Monitor the infant's heart rate prior to administering the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Monitor the infant's heart rate prior to administering the medication.' It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the infant's heart rate before giving digoxin to identify any signs of digoxin toxicity early. Heart rate assessment helps in detecting and preventing potential complications associated with digoxin use. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Repeating the dose if the infant vomits can lead to overdose, mixing the medication with food may alter its absorption, and giving the medication with meals can affect its effectiveness. Therefore, the priority is to monitor the infant's heart rate to ensure safe administration of digoxin.

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