Nursing Elites

1. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

2. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Provide humidified oxygen
• C. Keep the child NPO
• D. Position the child upright

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted to the hospital with epiglottitis is to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth). Epiglottitis is a serious condition that can lead to airway obstruction. Keeping the child NPO helps prevent further compromise of the airway and reduces the risk of aspiration. Administering antibiotics may be necessary but ensuring the airway is not compromised takes precedence. Providing humidified oxygen is important for respiratory support, but not the priority over maintaining a patent airway. Positioning the child upright can help with breathing and comfort, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of airway compromise associated with epiglottitis.

3. A 13-year-old girl tells the nurse at the pediatric clinic that she took a pregnancy test and it was positive. She adds that her grandfather, with whom she, her younger sisters, and her mother live, has repeatedly molested her for the past 3 years. When the nurse asks the girl if she has told this to anyone, she replies, 'Yes, but my mother doesn’t believe me.' Legally, who should the nurse notify?

• A. Police regarding a possible sex crime
• B. Healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy
• C. Child Protective Services for immediate intervention
• D. Girl’s mother about the positive pregnancy test result

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify Child Protective Services for immediate intervention. The girl disclosed ongoing sexual abuse by her grandfather, which is a serious concern requiring immediate protection and intervention by the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services are trained to handle cases of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of the child. While notifying the police about a possible sex crime is crucial, Child Protective Services should be the first point of contact in cases of suspected child abuse due to their specialized role. Confirming the pregnancy through a healthcare provider is not the priority at this moment, as ensuring the safety of the child is paramount. Informing the girl's mother about the positive test result is not appropriate given the lack of belief in the abuse disclosure and the potential risk to the child's safety.

4. The nurse is planning a discussion group for parents with children who have cancer. How would the nurse describe a difference between cancer in children and adults?

• A. Most childhood cancers affect tissues rather than organs.
• B. Childhood cancers are usually localized when found.
• C. Unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are less responsive to treatment.
• D. The majority of childhood cancers can be prevented.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Most childhood cancers, such as leukemias and sarcomas, affect tissues rather than specific organs, unlike many adult cancers. Choice B is incorrect because childhood cancers can be localized or spread, similar to adult cancers. Choice C is incorrect because childhood cancers can be highly responsive to treatment, especially when diagnosed early. Choice D is incorrect because the majority of childhood cancers cannot be prevented as they are often due to genetic mutations or unknown causes.

5. A child sitting on a chair in a playroom starts to have a tonic-clonic seizure with a clenched jaw. What is the nurse’s best initial action?

• A. Attempt to open the jaw.
• B. Place the child on the floor.
• C. Call out for assistance from staff.
• D. Place a pillow under the child’s head.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action during a tonic-clonic seizure is to place the child on the floor. This action helps prevent injury by providing a safe environment and allows for better management of the seizure episode. Attempting to open the jaw is not recommended as it may cause harm to the child or the nurse. Calling out for assistance is important but should not delay ensuring the child's safety first. Placing a pillow under the child's head is not advisable during a seizure as it can pose a risk of suffocation or choking.

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