Nursing Elites

1. After a discussion with the health care provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
• B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
• C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
• D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.' Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which normally closes after birth. Choices A, B, and C describe different cardiac conditions and do not accurately define PDA. Choice A is incorrect because PDA does not involve the diameter of the aorta being enlarged. Choice B is incorrect because PDA does not involve the wall between the right and left ventricles being open. Choice C is incorrect because PDA is not a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.

2. A child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to receive prednisone as part of his treatment plan. After teaching the child's parents about this drug, which statement by the parents indicates the need for additional teaching?

• A. We should give this drug after he eats something.
• B. We need to watch carefully for possible infections.
• C. The drug should not be stopped abruptly.
• D. He might experience weight gain with this drug.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Giving prednisone with food helps prevent gastrointestinal upset. Therefore, the correct statement is that the drug should be given after the child eats something, not before. Watching for infections is important due to prednisone's immunosuppressive effects, making choice B correct. Choice C is accurate because prednisone should be tapered off gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone, so choice D is also correct. The incorrect statement is choice A, as prednisone should be administered after a meal.

3. The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old girl with an endocrine disorder involving the posterior pituitary gland. What care would the nurse expect to implement?

• A. Instructing the parents to report adverse reactions to the growth hormone treatment
• B. Teaching the parents how to administer desmopressin acetate
• C. Informing the parents that treatment stops when puberty begins
• D. Educating the parents to report signs of acute adrenal crisis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a child with a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, desmopressin acetate is commonly used to manage the condition by replacing the antidiuretic hormone. Instructing the parents to administer desmopressin acetate correctly is essential for the child's treatment. The other options are incorrect because growth hormone treatment, stopping treatment at puberty, and reporting signs of acute adrenal crisis are not directly related to managing a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland.

4. After a cardiac catheterization, what is the priority nursing care for a 3-year-old child?

• A. Encouraging early ambulation
• B. Monitoring the site for bleeding
• C. Restricting fluids until the blood pressure is stabilized
• D. Comparing the blood pressure of both lower extremities

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a cardiac catheterization, the priority nursing care for a 3-year-old child is monitoring the site for bleeding. This is essential to promptly identify and address any signs of bleeding or hematoma formation, which are potential complications of the procedure. Encouraging early ambulation may be beneficial post-procedure but ensuring site integrity takes precedence. Restricting fluids until blood pressure stabilization is not a standard post-catheterization practice, as adequate hydration is crucial for recovery. Comparing the blood pressure of both lower extremities is not a priority immediate nursing action after a cardiac catheterization in a pediatric patient.

5. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor for signs of bleeding
• C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
• D. Monitor for signs of pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy is to monitor for signs of infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, putting the child at a higher risk of developing infections. Early detection and prompt treatment of infections are crucial to prevent complications and improve outcomes. Monitoring for signs of bleeding (choice B), dehydration (choice C), and pain (choice D) are also important aspects of care, but in this scenario, the priority is to prevent and manage infections due to the compromised immune system.

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