Nursing Elites

1. A parent and 4-year-old child who recently emigrated from Colombia arrive at the pediatric clinic. The child has a temperature of 102°F, is irritable, and has a runny nose. Inspection reveals a rash and several small, red, irregularly shaped spots with blue-white centers in the mouth. What illness does the nurse suspect the child has?

• A. Measles
• B. Chickenpox
• C. Fifth disease
• D. Scarlet fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should suspect measles based on the symptoms described, including the presence of Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers in the mouth). Measles typically presents with fever, irritability, runny nose, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Chickenpox (choice B) presents with vesicular lesions in different stages of healing and usually starts on the trunk. Fifth disease (choice C) presents with a 'slapped cheek' rash on the face and can cause joint pain. Scarlet fever (choice D) is characterized by a sandpaper-like rash, fever, and strawberry tongue.

2. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

3. A newborn is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with choanal atresia. Which part of the infant’s body should the nurse assess?

• A. Rectum
• B. Nasopharynx
• C. Intestinal tract
• D. Laryngopharynx

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choanal atresia is a congenital condition that presents with a blockage in the nasal passages at the junction of the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. To assess and confirm the diagnosis of choanal atresia, the nurse should focus on assessing the nasopharynx. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as choanal atresia specifically involves a blockage in the nasal passages, not the rectum, intestinal tract, or laryngopharynx. By assessing the nasopharynx, the severity of the obstruction can be determined, aiding in planning appropriate interventions for the newborn.

4. The nurse is planning a discussion group for parents with children who have cancer. How would the nurse describe a difference between cancer in children and adults?

• A. Most childhood cancers affect tissues rather than organs.
• B. Childhood cancers are usually localized when found.
• C. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are less responsive to treatment.
• D. The majority of childhood cancers can be prevented.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Most childhood cancers, such as leukemias and sarcomas, affect tissues rather than specific organs, unlike many adult cancers. Choice B is incorrect because childhood cancers can be localized or spread, similar to adult cancers. Choice C is incorrect because childhood cancers can be highly responsive to treatment, especially when diagnosed early. Choice D is incorrect because the majority of childhood cancers cannot be prevented as they are often due to genetic mutations or unknown causes.

5. What should the nurse advise the parents of a child with asthma on preventing asthma attacks?

• A. Avoid exposure to allergens
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Increase fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are commonly triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's contact with these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general health but are not specific preventive measures for asthma attacks.

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