Nursing Elites

1. A pediatric client is admitted to the emergency department with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that caused a loss of consciousness. The last set of vital signs showed heart rate 48, blood pressure (BP) 148/74 mmHg, respiratory rate 28 and irregular. What does the nurse suspect based on these data?

• A. Spinal cord injury
• B. Increased intracranial pressure
• C. Typical for sleep
• D. Improvement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The vital signs of bradycardia, hypertension, and irregular respirations indicate increased intracranial pressure. Bradycardia (heart rate of 48), hypertension (blood pressure of 148/74 mmHg), and irregular respirations are typical signs of increased intracranial pressure in a pediatric client with a traumatic brain injury and loss of consciousness.

2. A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a school-age child who is experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Elevate the head of the child's bed
• B. Insert a large-bore IV catheter for the child
• C. Determine the allergen that caused the child's reaction
• D. Administer IM epinephrine to the child

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the management of anaphylaxis, the priority action for the nurse is to administer IM epinephrine to the child. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it helps reverse the severe manifestations of the reaction by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and decreasing hives and swelling. Elevating the head of the child's bed may be beneficial for respiratory distress but is not the priority over administering epinephrine. Inserting a large-bore IV catheter may be necessary for fluid resuscitation but is not the initial priority. Identifying the allergen is important for prevention and future management but is not the immediate action needed in the acute phase of an anaphylactic reaction.

3. Following a child's return from exploratory surgery due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen, which nursing intervention should be excluded from the plan of care?

• A. Immediate initiation of oral feedings
• B. Assessment of the surgical site
• C. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management
• D. Visitation at the bedside

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immediate initiation of oral feedings should be excluded from the plan of care post-abdominal surgery due to the risk of bowel complications like paralytic ileus or anastomotic leak. Starting oral feedings immediately can increase these risks and hinder healing. It is crucial to wait until bowel function returns and the patient shows signs of tolerance before introducing oral feedings. Assessment of the surgical site is necessary to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management is essential for ensuring the patient's comfort post-surgery. Visitation at the bedside provides emotional support and can aid in the patient's recovery. Therefore, the correct answer is to exclude immediate initiation of oral feedings.

4. When preparing to insert an intravenous catheter for a 7-year-old child, which of the following actions should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Apply an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure.
• B. Use a 16-gauge needle for the insertion.
• C. Insert the catheter into a vein of the child's dominant hand.
• D. Choose a site over the child's metacarpal veins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Applying an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure is crucial when inserting an intravenous catheter in a child to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. This practice is especially important in pediatric patients to ensure a more comfortable experience and improve cooperation during the insertion process. Choice B is incorrect as a 16-gauge needle is too large for a child, and a smaller gauge needle is typically used. Choice C is incorrect as the catheter should be inserted into a suitable vein, not specifically the dominant hand vein. Choice D is incorrect as metacarpal veins are usually avoided due to their small size and the potential for complications.

5. A parent of an infant with diaper dermatitis is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use baby wipes that contain alcohol to clean the baby's skin.
• B. Expose the baby's skin to air.
• C. Use a blow dryer on the warm setting to dry the baby's skin.
• D. Give the baby a bath once a week.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the parent to expose the infant's skin to air as it helps in promoting the healing process of diaper dermatitis by allowing the skin to breathe and reducing moisture, which can worsen the condition.

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