Nursing Elites

1. Why is it recommended that closure of the palate should be done before the age of 2 for an 11-month-old infant with a cleft palate?

• A. “After the age of 2, surgery becomes frightening and should be avoided if possible.”
• B. “The eruption of the 2-year molars often complicates the surgical procedure.”
• C. “As your child grows older, the palate widens, making repair more challenging.”
• D. “Surgery should be performed before your child begins to use faulty speech patterns.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is recommended to perform palate closure surgery before the child starts using faulty speech patterns to prevent the development of speech issues that may be harder to correct later. Delaying surgery until after the age of 2 can lead to the child forming incorrect speech habits, which can be challenging to correct. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific concern related to speech development in children with cleft palates.

2. A 4-year-old fell from a third-story window and landed on her head. She is semiconscious with slow, irregular breathing and bleeding from her mouth. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with simultaneous stabilization of her head, what should you do next?

• A. Suction the oropharynx
• B. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
• C. Initiate positive pressure ventilations
• D. Administer oxygen via mask

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is experiencing airway compromise due to the fall and potential oropharyngeal obstruction from bleeding. Performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with head stabilization helps maintain the airway patency. The next step should be to suction the oropharynx to clear any blood or secretions, which can obstruct the airway and lead to aspiration. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway may worsen bleeding or cause further injury to the patient's airway. Initiating positive pressure ventilations can be ineffective if the airway is not cleared first. Administering oxygen via mask is not the immediate priority; ensuring a patent airway by suctioning takes precedence.

3. A nurse on the pediatric unit is observing the developmental skills of several 2-year-old children in the playroom. Which child should the nurse continue to evaluate?

• A. Cannot stand on one foot
• B. Builds a tower of 7 blocks
• C. Uses echolalia when speaking
• D. Colors outside the lines of a picture

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because using echolalia (repeating words or phrases) is not typical for a 2-year-old and may indicate the need for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and D are within the expected developmental skills for a 2-year-old. While a 2-year-old may not be able to stand on one foot for an extended period, it is not a concerning developmental milestone at this age. Building a tower of 7 blocks and coloring outside the lines of a picture are both age-appropriate activities that demonstrate fine motor skills and creativity, respectively. However, echolalia at this age could be a sign of an underlying communication or developmental issue that warrants further assessment and monitoring.

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

• A. Explain the procedure in simple terms
• B. Encourage fluid intake
• C. Allow the child to play with medical equipment
• D. Use play therapy to prepare the child

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Explaining the procedure in simple terms is essential preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy. This approach helps the child understand what will happen during the procedure, reducing anxiety and fear. Encouraging fluid intake is a good general health practice but not directly related to preoperative teaching for this procedure. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment may not be safe or appropriate as it can lead to misunderstanding or fear. Using play therapy can be beneficial but explaining the procedure in simple terms is more direct and effective for preoperative teaching in this case.

5. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.

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