Nursing Elites

1. A school-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of these should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Correction of alkalosis
• B. Pain management and administration of heparin
• C. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII to correct the sickling
• D. Adequate hydration, oxygenation, and pain management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia require a comprehensive approach that includes adequate hydration to reduce blood viscosity, oxygenation to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, and aggressive pain management. This approach helps improve tissue perfusion and manage pain effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Correction of alkalosis is not a priority in vaso-occlusive crisis management. Administration of heparin is not indicated as it can increase the risk of bleeding in sickle cell patients. Factor VIII replacement is not relevant to sickle cell anemia as it is a treatment for hemophilia, not sickle cell disease.

2. What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis?

• A. Rebound tenderness
• B. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding
• C. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating
• D. Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus. This type of pain is a common early sign of acute appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, choice A, is a later sign seen in the physical examination of a patient with appendicitis. Rectal bleeding, as described in choice B, is not typically associated with appendicitis. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating, as mentioned in choice C, is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease rather than appendicitis.

3. What is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Bilious vomiting
• C. Frequent spitting up
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Frequent spitting up is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants. It is caused by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to infants regurgitating milk or formula shortly after feeding. Projectile vomiting (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis rather than gastroesophageal reflux. Bilious vomiting (choice B) often indicates an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea (choice D) is not typically a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

4. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

• A. The perianal or rectal area
• B. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• C. The lower GI tract
• D. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

5. The nurse is preparing a presentation on compensated, decompensated, and irreversible shock in children. What clinical manifestations related to decompensated shock should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Oliguria
• C. Confusion
• D. Pale extremities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Decompensated shock is characterized by signs such as oliguria, confusion, pale extremities, hypotension, and a thready pulse. These indicate that the body is no longer able to maintain adequate circulation to vital organs.

Similar Questions