Nursing Elites

1. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

2. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Recognition of the parents
• B. Fright at the EMT-B's presence
• C. Lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
• D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT-B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In small children, altered mental status can manifest as a lack of attention to the presence of unfamiliar individuals, such as the EMT-B. This lack of engagement may indicate confusion, disorientation, or impaired cognitive function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as recognizing parents, exhibiting fear, or maintaining consistent eye contact do not necessarily indicate altered mental status. Recognizing parents is a normal response, fear can be a typical reaction to unfamiliar situations, and making eye contact may be a sign of curiosity or comfort rather than a reflection of mental status.

3. The nurse is conducting a physical examination of a 9-month-old baby with a flat, discolored area on the skin. The nurse documents this as a:

• A. Papule
• B. Macule
• C. Vesicle
• D. Scale

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A macule is defined as a flat, discolored area on the skin that is different from surrounding tissue due to a change in color. In this case, the baby has a flat, discolored area on the skin, which fits the description of a macule. A papule is a small, raised solid bump, a vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister, and a scale is a flake of skin that is often dry and rough. Therefore, choices A, C, and D do not accurately describe the flat, discolored area on the baby's skin, making them incorrect.

4. What foods are appropriate for a 30-month-old toddler on a regular diet?

• A. Hamburger with bun and grapes
• B. Chicken fingers and french fries
• C. Hot dog with bun and potato chips
• D. Macaroni and cheese and Cheerios

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Macaroni and cheese and Cheerios are appropriate choices for a 30-month-old toddler on a regular diet. These foods are easy to chew, digest, and are generally well-liked by toddlers. Option A, a hamburger with bun and grapes, may be difficult for a toddler to handle due to the size of the hamburger and grapes pose a choking hazard. Option B, chicken fingers and french fries, may be too greasy and processed for a toddler's developing digestive system. Option C, hot dog with bun and potato chips, is also not ideal as hot dogs can be a choking hazard and potato chips are high in salt and may not provide adequate nutrition.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a child with suspected Kawasaki disease. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare provider likely to observe?

• A. Generalized rash
• B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• C. High fever
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peeling skin on the hands and feet is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Kawasaki disease, known as desquamation. This occurs during the convalescent phase of the illness. While Kawasaki disease is associated with a high fever, which is a common early sign, and can also present with other symptoms like conjunctivitis, mucous membrane changes, and lymphadenopathy, the peeling skin on the hands and feet is a classic feature that distinguishes Kawasaki disease from other conditions. Generalized rash is not a specific hallmark of Kawasaki disease, and low-grade fever is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the correct answer is B, peeling skin on the hands and feet, which is a key feature of Kawasaki disease.

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