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 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering IV immunoglobulin
• B. Monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 3-year-old child with Kawasaki disease is monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms. Kawasaki disease can lead to the development of coronary artery aneurysms, which are one of the most serious complications of the disease. Early detection and monitoring of coronary artery changes are essential for prompt intervention and prevention of adverse outcomes. Administering IV immunoglobulin is an important treatment for Kawasaki disease, but monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms takes precedence as it directly impacts the child's long-term prognosis. Encouraging fluid intake and providing nutritional support are important aspects of care but are not the priority when compared to monitoring for potential life-threatening complications.

3. While performing a visual inspection of a 30-year-old woman in active labor, you can see the umbilical cord at the vaginal opening. After providing high concentration oxygen, what should you do next?

• A. massage the uterus to facilitate delivery of the fetus
• B. relieve pressure from the cord with your gloved fingers
• C. place the mother on her left side and provide rapid transport
• D. elevate the mother's lower extremities and provide immediate transport

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, the priority is to relieve pressure from the umbilical cord protruding from the vaginal opening by gently pushing it back inside using your gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression, maintains blood flow to the fetus, and ensures fetal oxygenation. Massaging the uterus (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it can potentially worsen the cord compression. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport (Choice C) can be considered after relieving the pressure on the cord. Elevating the mother's lower extremities and providing immediate transport (Choice D) is not the correct approach when dealing with a visible umbilical cord; instead, the focus should be on relieving pressure from the cord to prevent fetal compromise.

4. What should be included in the teaching plan for parents of an infant diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

• A. Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.
• B. Testing for PKU is done immediately after birth.
• C. Treatment for PKU includes lifelong dietary management.
• D. PKU is transmitted by an autosomal recessive gene.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.' Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that, if left untreated with dietary management, can lead to severe mental retardation due to the accumulation of phenylalanine. It is crucial for parents to understand the potential consequences of untreated PKU to emphasize the importance of early and consistent treatment. Choice B is incorrect because testing for PKU is typically done through newborn screening shortly after birth, not immediately. Choice C is incorrect as treatment for PKU primarily involves strict dietary management that restricts phenylalanine intake, not lifelong medications. Choice D is incorrect as PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that both parents must pass on a mutated gene for the disorder to manifest.

5. A 12-month-old infant has become immunosuppressed during a course of chemotherapy. When preparing the parents for the infant’s discharge, what information should the nurse give concerning the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) immunization?

• A. It should not be given until the infant reaches 2 years of age.
• B. Infants who are receiving chemotherapy should not be given these vaccines.
• C. It should be given to protect the infant from contracting any of these diseases.
• D. The parents should discuss this with their health care provider at the next visit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Live vaccines like MMR should not be given to immunosuppressed infants because their weakened immune systems may not handle the vaccine safely. Choice A is incorrect as delaying the MMR vaccine until the infant reaches 2 years of age does not address the issue of immunosuppression. Choice C is incorrect because administering live vaccines to an immunosuppressed individual could lead to serious complications. Choice D is incorrect as immediate action is required to prevent potential harm to the immunosuppressed infant.

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