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. When teaching a group of parents in the daycare center about accident prevention, the nurse explains that young toddlers are prone to injuries from falls. When receiving feedback, the nurse identifies that more teaching is needed when one parent states, 'I will:'

• A. keep medications in a medicine cabinet.
• B. have secured gates at entrances to staircases.
• C. move our child to a regular bed by the appropriate age.
• D. buy shoes that close with Velcro rather than laces.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moving a child to a regular bed by the appropriate age is not recommended as it can increase the risk of falls. Toddlers should transition to a regular bed only when developmentally ready to prevent accidents. Keeping medications in a medicine cabinet (Choice A) promotes safety by preventing accidental ingestion. Securing gates at entrances to staircases (Choice B) helps prevent falls down stairs. Buying shoes that close with Velcro rather than laces (Choice D) is a good practice to prevent tripping and falling.

3. A child with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What should the caregiver teach the parents about administering this medication?

• A. Administer the medication with food
• B. Measure the dose with a household spoon
• C. Measure the dose with a proper measuring device
• D. Administer the medication only when the child has a high fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the dose with a proper measuring device. Using a household spoon can lead to inaccurate dosing, which can be dangerous. Administering the medication with food or only when the child has a high fever are not the essential instructions related to the safe and effective administration of acetaminophen.

4. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

5. A nurse in the emergency department observes large welts and scars on the back of a child who has been admitted for an asthma attack. What additional information must be included in the nurse’s assessment?

• A. History of an injury
• B. Signs of child abuse
• C. Presence of food allergies
• D. Recent recovery from chickenpox

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of child abuse. Large welts and scars on a child may be indicative of abuse, making it crucial for the nurse to assess and report any suspicions. Assessing the history of an injury (choice A) may not provide insight into the cause of the welts and scars as effectively as looking for signs of potential abuse. Food allergies (choice C) and recent recovery from chickenpox (choice D) are not directly relevant to the observation of welts and scars on the child's back.

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