Nursing Elites

1. A teacher states to the school nurse, 'I have a student who will often just stare at me for 15 seconds after asking a question; then the student blinks and asks me to repeat the question. Should I be concerned?' Which should the nurse include in the response to the teacher?

• A. The child has a crush on the teacher.
• B. The child has increased intracranial pressure.
• C. The child may have had a head injury.
• D. The child is experiencing absence seizures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Staring spells that end abruptly and are followed by normal activity are indicative of absence seizures. In absence seizures, a child may exhibit staring spells, brief loss of awareness, and lack of responsiveness, which can last for a few seconds. Choice A is incorrect because the behavior described is not associated with having a crush. Choice B is incorrect as increased intracranial pressure usually presents with other symptoms. Choice C is less likely as a head injury would typically manifest with additional signs beyond just staring and blinking.

2. The patient with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium and has a new prescription for captopril for hypertension. The combination of these two drugs makes which assessment particularly important?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Lithium level
• C. Creatinine level
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When captopril, an ACE inhibitor, is combined with lithium, it can lead to lithium accumulation. Therefore, monitoring lithium levels is crucial to prevent toxicity. While ACE inhibitors like captopril can cause hyperkalemia, renal insufficiency, and hypotension, the risk of these effects is not increased by the combination of lithium and captopril.

3. When preparing an adolescent for a lumbar puncture, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place a cardiac monitor on the adolescent prior to the procedure
• B. Apply topical analgesic cream to the site one hour prior to the procedure
• C. Keep the adolescent in a semi-Fowler's position for 4 hours following the procedure
• D. Restrict fluids for 2 hours following the procedure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse when preparing an adolescent for a lumbar puncture is to apply topical analgesic cream to the site one hour before the procedure. This helps reduce pain experienced during the lumbar puncture, making the procedure more comfortable for the adolescent. Placing a cardiac monitor on the adolescent is not necessary for a lumbar puncture. Keeping the adolescent in a semi-Fowler's position for 4 hours following the procedure is not a standard practice after a lumbar puncture. Restricting fluids for 2 hours following the procedure is not a requirement for a lumbar puncture preparation.

4. When teaching a parent of a child with contact dermatitis, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Apply a thick layer of antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
• B. Rub the skin vigorously with a towel to dry it.
• C. Keep the child's skin dry.
• D. Apply a thin layer of corticosteroid cream to the affected area.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a child with contact dermatitis is to apply a thin layer of corticosteroid cream to the affected area. Corticosteroid cream helps reduce inflammation and itching associated with contact dermatitis. It is important to avoid using antibiotic ointment or rubbing the skin vigorously, as these can worsen the condition. Keeping the child's skin dry is generally a good practice, but in the case of contact dermatitis, corticosteroid cream application is more beneficial.

5. What is the priority nursing action when preparing a neonate born with a gastroschisis defect for transport to a pediatric hospital for corrective surgery?

• A. Covering the exposed intestines with sterile moist gauze
• B. Wrapping the newborn warmly in two or three blankets
• C. Providing sterile water feeding to maintain hydration during transport
• D. Allowing the parents of the newborn to see their child prior to transport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action when preparing a neonate born with a gastroschisis defect for transport is to cover the exposed intestines with sterile moist gauze. This action helps prevent infection and keeps the tissue viable during transportation to the pediatric hospital for corrective surgery.

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