Nursing Elites

1. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

2. The nurse is planning care for a school-age client who is postoperative for the surgical removal of the appendix. In addition to pharmacologic pain management, what should the nurse include in the plan of care to address pain?

• A. Applying a warm, moist pack every 4 hours
• B. Applying EMLA cream to the incision site prior to ambulation
• C. Applying a cold, moist pack every 2 hours
• D. Applying a pillow against the abdomen to splint the incision site when coughing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After an appendectomy, applying a pillow against the abdomen to splint the incision site when coughing helps reduce pain by providing support and minimizing movement that could cause discomfort.

3. A child is being cared for following a head injury. Which of the following findings should indicate to the healthcare provider that the child is developing diabetes insipidus?

• A. Urine specific gravity of 1.045
• B. Sodium level of 155
• C. Blood glucose level of 45
• D. Urine output of 35 ml per hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a child with a head injury, the development of diabetes insipidus can occur due to pituitary hypofunction, leading to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. An elevated sodium level (hypernatremia) is a key finding in diabetes insipidus due to the excessive loss of free water in the urine, resulting in increased sodium concentration in the blood.

4. During a well-child visit, a nurse is assessing a three-year-old toddler. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Blood pressure 90/50
• B. Respiratory rate 45/min
• C. Weight 14.5 kg or 32 lb
• D. Heart rate 110/min

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 45/min is above the expected reference range for a 3-year-old toddler and may indicate respiratory dysfunction or acute respiratory distress. It is essential for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

5.

• A. Clear the immediate area around the child of hazardous objects
• B.
• C. assist the child to a side-lying position on the floor
• D. apply an oxygen mask to the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The greatest risk to this child is aspiration, occlusion of the airway, and bodily injury from falling out of the chair. The nurse should ease the child down to the floor in a side-lying position immediately.

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