Nursing Elites

1. A toddler is admitted to the surgical unit for a planned closure of a temporary colostomy. Which medical prescription should the nurse question?

• A. Clear liquids today, NPO tomorrow
• B. Type and cross-match for 1 unit of packed red blood cells
• C. Rectal temperatures every 4 hours
• D. Start an intravenous line with D5NS at 20 mL per hour

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Rectal temperatures should be avoided in a toddler with a colostomy due to the risk of injury. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate medical prescriptions for a toddler undergoing colostomy closure. Choice A ensures the toddler's intake of clear liquids before being made NPO, choice B prepares for possible blood transfusion needs, and choice D initiates intravenous hydration with D5NS at an appropriate rate.

2. In the management of heart failure, which diuretic is preferred due to its demonstrated significant mortality reduction in patients with heart failure?

• A. Furosemide (Lasix)
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
• C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• D. Mannitol (Osmitrol)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, is the preferred choice in heart failure due to its cardio-protective effect, leading to reduced mortality in patients with heart failure. It is used to manage both hypertension and edema, making it a valuable option in heart failure treatment.

3. Why should a healthcare professional take time to get to know the things a family does together, their weekly routine, and an explanation of family dynamics?

• A. Involvement in the family is central to best practice
• B. It is not necessary, but it is beneficial
• C. To gather demographic information for documentation purposes
• D. To assess if they have values that align with the practitioner's

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Understanding the activities, routines, and dynamics of a family is crucial for a healthcare professional to provide holistic care. By gaining insight into the family's lifestyle and relationships, the professional can tailor interventions that are better integrated into the family's daily life, fostering more effective therapy outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care provided. Choice A is the correct answer because involvement in the family is indeed central to best practice in healthcare. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because simply gathering demographic information, assessing values alignment, or considering it as optional fails to recognize the importance of understanding the family dynamics for effective care delivery.

4. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Hypotonic dehydration
• D. Isotonic dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is hypotonic dehydration. The combination of high hemoglobin and hematocrit with low serum sodium indicates hypotonic dehydration. In this condition, there is an excess of solutes relative to water, leading to higher red blood cell concentration (elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit) and low serum sodium levels.

5. When educating a parent of an infant with a new prescription for digoxin, which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Repeat the dose if the infant vomits.
• B. Mix the medication with food.
• C. Give the medication with meals.
• D. Monitor the infant's heart rate prior to administering the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Monitor the infant's heart rate prior to administering the medication.' It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the infant's heart rate before giving digoxin to identify any signs of digoxin toxicity early. Heart rate assessment helps in detecting and preventing potential complications associated with digoxin use. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Repeating the dose if the infant vomits can lead to overdose, mixing the medication with food may alter its absorption, and giving the medication with meals can affect its effectiveness. Therefore, the priority is to monitor the infant's heart rate to ensure safe administration of digoxin.

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