Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler about the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Abdominal pain
• B. Constipation
• C. Irritability
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability is a significant symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers and should be emphasized to parents. Lead poisoning can manifest with various symptoms, but irritability is particularly common in children exposed to lead. Abdominal pain (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers. While constipation (Choice B) can occur, it is less specific and less common than irritability. Frequent urination (Choice D) is not a typical symptom associated with lead poisoning in toddlers and is less relevant for parents to recognize in this context.

2. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m. her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

• A. Notifying the doctor immediately
• B. Applying ice
• C. Elevating the arm
• D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or giving additional pain medication may not address the underlying cause of the unrelenting pain, which could be a sign of a serious complication like compartment syndrome. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation to prevent potential complications.

3. A group of students is reviewing information about the endocrine system in infants and children. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they state:

• A. Endocrine glands begin developing in the first trimester of gestation.
• B. At birth, the endocrine glands are not fully functional.
• C. Infants may have difficulty balancing glucose and electrolytes.
• D. A child’s endocrine system plays a vital role in growth and development.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is that infants may have difficulty balancing glucose and electrolytes because their endocrine systems are immature. Newborns have developing endocrine glands that are not yet fully functional, leading to challenges in maintaining glucose and electrolyte balance. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands start developing in the first trimester, not the third trimester. Choice B is incorrect as endocrine glands are not fully functional at birth. Choice D is incorrect because while a child’s endocrine system indeed plays a vital role in growth and development, the specific focus of the question is on the challenges infants face due to immature endocrine glands.

4. What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a tonsillectomy?

• A. Explaining the procedure in detail
• B. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
• C. Discussing the importance of hydration
• D. Using play therapy to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging deep breathing exercises is crucial preoperative teaching for a child scheduled for a tonsillectomy as it helps improve lung function and can prevent postoperative complications like pneumonia. Explaining the procedure in detail may heighten the child's anxiety, making it less ideal. While discussing hydration is important, it may not be the top priority for preoperative teaching for this specific procedure. Play therapy can reduce fear and anxiety, but encouraging deep breathing exercises directly contributes to better postoperative outcomes by enhancing respiratory function.

5. A child sitting on a chair in a playroom starts to have a tonic-clonic seizure with a clenched jaw. What is the nurse’s best initial action?

• A. Attempt to open the jaw.
• B. Place the child on the floor.
• C. Call out for assistance from staff.
• D. Place a pillow under the child’s head.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action during a tonic-clonic seizure is to place the child on the floor. This action helps prevent injury by providing a safe environment and allows for better management of the seizure episode. Attempting to open the jaw is not recommended as it may cause harm to the child or the nurse. Calling out for assistance is important but should not delay ensuring the child's safety first. Placing a pillow under the child's head is not advisable during a seizure as it can pose a risk of suffocation or choking.

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