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 child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is hospitalized for treatment. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Preventing infection
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Managing pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child hospitalized for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is preventing infection. Children with ALL have compromised immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Preventing infections through strict aseptic techniques, isolation precautions, and proper hygiene is crucial to safeguard the child's health. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection occurs, but the primary focus should be on infection prevention. While providing nutritional support (choice C) is important, preventing infection takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's survival. Managing pain (choice D) is essential for the child's comfort but is not the priority over preventing life-threatening infections in this scenario.

3. A child with a fever is prescribed acetaminophen. What should the caregiver teach the parents about administering this medication?

• A. Administer the medication with food
• B. Measure the dose with a household spoon
• C. Measure the dose with a proper measuring device
• D. Administer the medication only when the child has a high fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to measure the dose with a proper measuring device. Using a household spoon can lead to inaccurate dosing, which can be dangerous. Administering the medication with food or only when the child has a high fever are not the essential instructions related to the safe and effective administration of acetaminophen.

4. A 7-month-old girl is to be catheterized to obtain a sterile urine specimen. One of the infant’s parents expresses fear that this procedure may traumatize the baby psychologically. How should the nurse provide reassurance?

• A. The fear is justified and the nurse should obtain a “clean catch” specimen.
• B. Parents have a right to refuse the catheterization and the concerns are realistic.
• C. Although the concern is appropriate, the need for a sterile specimen is the priority.
• D. The procedure is uncomfortable, but there should not be a damaging long-term effect.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While catheterization can be uncomfortable, it does not typically result in long-term psychological harm, and obtaining a sterile specimen is important for accurate diagnosis.

5. When you attempt to assess a 22-year-old woman who has been sexually assaulted, and she orders you not to touch her, your most appropriate initial action should be to

• A. ask the patient to sign a release form
• B. ask a female EMT-B to attempt to assess the patient
• C. explain to the patient that she must be examined
• D. transport the patient without performing an assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of sexual assault, it is crucial to prioritize the patient's emotional and physical comfort. Asking a female EMT-B to attempt the assessment is the most appropriate initial action as it respects the patient's need for privacy and comfort. Asking the patient to sign a release form (Choice A) is not the immediate concern when the patient's well-being and comfort are at stake. Explaining to the patient that she must be examined (Choice C) disregards her autonomy and can worsen the trauma she is experiencing. Transporting the patient without performing an assessment (Choice D) neglects the necessary evaluation and potentially vital care that she may require.

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