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. A breastfed infant is being seen in the clinic for a 6-month checkup. The mother tells the nurse that the infant recently began to suck her thumb. Which is the best nursing intervention?

• A. Reassure the mother that this is normal at this age
• B. Recommend the mother substitute a pacifier for her thumb
• C. Assess the infant for other signs of sensory deprivation
• D. Suggest the mother breastfeed the infant more often to satisfy her sucking needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thumb sucking is a normal self-soothing behavior in infants and usually does not indicate a problem. Reassuring the mother that this is normal is the appropriate response.

3. Which is a complication that can occur after abdominal surgery if pain is not managed?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Decrease in heart rate
• D. Increase in cardiac output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Poorly managed pain after abdominal surgery can lead to complications like atelectasis due to shallow breathing, which may occur if the child avoids deep breaths because of pain.

4. A child is admitted with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which of the following should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis
• B. Observe for projectile vomiting
• C. Provide large, infrequent feedings to allow for rest
• D. Place the infant in a supine position after feeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Observe for projectile vomiting.' Projectile vomiting is a classic sign of pyloric stenosis, caused by obstruction at the pylorus. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, often occurs due to the loss of hydrochloric acid from persistent vomiting. Choice C is incorrect as frequent, small feedings are preferred to prevent overloading the stomach. Choice D is incorrect as placing the infant in an upright position after feeding can help reduce reflux.

5. You are developing a plan of care for a hospitalized child. Which age group is most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds?

• A. Adolescence
• B. Preschool age
• C. Infancy
• D. School age

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preschool-aged children often engage in magical thinking, where they may believe that illness is a punishment for misdeeds. This belief is related to their cognitive development stage, where they may attribute cause and effect in a magical or unrealistic way. Adolescents are more likely to view illness as a disruption to their sense of independence or control. Infants lack the cognitive development to associate illness with punishment for misdeeds. School-aged children typically have a more concrete understanding of illness and its causes, moving away from magical thinking.

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