Nursing Elites

1. A parent tells the nurse, “My 9-month-old baby no longer has the same strong grasp that was present at birth and no longer acts startled by loud noises.” How should the nurse explain these changes in behavior?

• A. “I will check these responses before deciding how to proceed.”
• B. “Failure of these responses may be related to a developmental delay.”
• C. “Additional sensory stimulation is needed to aid in the return of these responses.”
• D. “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.” The grasp reflex and startle reflex (Moro reflex) are normal in newborns but typically disappear as the infant's nervous system matures and voluntary control develops. Choice A is incorrect because checking the responses before deciding a course of action does not address the developmental milestone related to the reflexes. Choice B is incorrect as it jumps to a conclusion of developmental delay without considering the normal developmental process. Choice C is incorrect as additional sensory stimulation is not necessary for the return of these reflexes, as they are expected to naturally diminish as part of normal development.

2. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?

• A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
• B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
• C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
• D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.

3. When teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus about insulin administration, what should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Rotate injection sites
• B. Administer insulin before meals
• C. Store insulin in the refrigerator
• D. Administer insulin at bedtime

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to rotate injection sites. This practice helps prevent lipodystrophy, a localized loss of fat tissue that can affect insulin absorption. By rotating sites, the child can avoid developing lumps or indentations in the skin where insulin is repeatedly injected. Administering insulin before meals (choice B) may be necessary for certain types of insulin but is not the priority when teaching about insulin administration. Storing insulin in the refrigerator (choice C) is important for maintaining its potency, but it is not the primary emphasis when teaching about insulin administration. Administering insulin at bedtime (choice D) may be necessary based on the child's insulin regimen but is not the primary consideration for teaching injection techniques and site rotation.

4. A child with a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering insulin
• B. Monitoring fluid balance
• C. Administering diuretics
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid balance. In a child with diabetes insipidus, the primary concern is excessive urination and fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration. Monitoring fluid balance is crucial to prevent dehydration and maintain electrolyte balance. Administering insulin (Choice A) is not indicated in diabetes insipidus, as this condition is not related to insulin deficiency. Administering diuretics (Choice C) should be avoided as it can exacerbate fluid loss in a child already at risk for dehydration. While monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important, the priority intervention in this situation is monitoring fluid balance to prevent complications associated with dehydration.

5. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is being discharged from the hospital. What is important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Monitor blood glucose levels once a day
• B. Follow a strict meal plan
• C. Administer insulin only when blood glucose is high
• D. Recognize signs of hypoglycemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Recognizing signs of hypoglycemia is essential for managing type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycemia, which occurs when blood glucose levels drop too low, can be dangerous and requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications. Monitoring blood glucose levels more frequently than once a day, following a strict meal plan, and administering insulin only when blood glucose is high are important aspects of diabetes management but recognizing signs of hypoglycemia is crucial as it enables prompt action to prevent adverse outcomes.

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