Nursing Elites

1. A preschool-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit for surgery. The parents request to stay with their child. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Tell the parents they can stay in the hospital but not on the unit
• B. Read the rules and regulations of rooming in with the child
• C. Let the parents know they are allowed to stay with the child
• D. Explain to the parents why they cannot stay with the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is to let the parents know they are allowed to stay with the child. Allowing parents to stay with the child can help reduce the child's anxiety and provide comfort. Choice A is incorrect as the parents should be encouraged to stay with their child. Choice B is not the immediate response the nurse should provide. Choice D is inappropriate as it does not address the benefits and importance of parental presence for the child's well-being during hospitalization.

2. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider if a child presents with suspected meningitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics immediately
• B. Perform a lumbar puncture
• C. Isolate the child
• D. Obtain a complete blood count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.

3. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

4. Which congenital heart defect causes a "boot-shaped" heart on a chest x-ray?

• A. Tetralogy of Fallot
• B. Coarctation of the aorta
• C. Transposition of the great arteries
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect with four distinct abnormalities, often presents with a "boot-shaped" heart on chest x-ray due to right ventricular hypertrophy. This characteristic finding is due to the specific combination of defects in this condition. Coarctation of the aorta (choice B), Transposition of the great arteries (choice C), and Ventricular septal defect (choice D) do not typically result in a "boot-shaped" heart on a chest x-ray like Tetralogy of Fallot does.

5. By which age should the nurse expect that an infant will be able to pull to a standing position?

• A. 5 to 6 months
• B. 7 to 8 months
• C. 11 to 12 months
• D. 14 to 15 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pulling to a standing position typically occurs between 11 to 12 months, marking the progression towards walking.

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