Nursing Elites

1. After surgery yesterday for gastroesophageal reflux, the nurse finds that the infant has somehow removed the nasogastric (NG) tube. What nursing action is most appropriate to perform at this time?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Insert a new NG tube for feedings.
• C. Replace the NG tube to maintain gastric decompression.
• D. Leave the NG tube out as it may have been in long enough.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is important as the removal of the NG tube can disrupt postoperative care, especially in terms of maintaining gastric decompression. Inserting a new NG tube without practitioner direction can be unsafe and is not within the nurse's scope of practice. Similarly, replacing the NG tube or leaving it out should be decided by the healthcare provider to ensure the infant's safety and appropriate postoperative care.

2. The nurse is caring for a child with sickle cell anemia with the following order: Morphine Sulfate 2 mg IV every 24 hours. Morphine Sulfate is available in 10 mg/1mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

• A. 0.2 mL
• B. 0.5 mL
• C. 1 mL
• D. 2 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To administer 2 mg of Morphine Sulfate when the concentration is 10 mg/mL, the nurse should administer 0.2 mL (2 mg / 10 mg/mL = 0.2 mL). Choice B, 0.5 mL, is incorrect because it is the result of dividing 2 mg by 4 mg/mL instead of 10 mg/mL. Choice C, 1 mL, is incorrect as it would be the result of dividing 2 mg by 2 mg/mL. Choice D, 2 mL, is incorrect as it would be the result of dividing 2 mg by 1 mg/mL.

3. When taking a child’s blood pressure, what percentage of the upper arm should the nurse ensure the cuff bladder width covers?

• A. 20%
• B. 40%
• C. 60%
• D. 80%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When taking a child's blood pressure, the nurse should select a cuff with a bladder width that covers 40% of the arm circumference at the midpoint of the upper arm. This ensures accurate readings. Choosing a cuff that covers less or more than 40% can lead to incorrect blood pressure measurements. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.

4. A toddler’s mother calls the nurse because she thinks her son has swallowed a button type of battery. He has no signs of respiratory distress. The nurse’s response should be based on which premise?

• A. An emergency laparotomy is very likely.
• B. The location needs to be confirmed by radiographic examination.
• C. Surgery will be necessary if the battery has not passed in the stool in 48 hours.
• D. Careful observation is essential because an ingested battery cannot be accurately detected.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Radiographic examination is essential to confirm the location of the battery, as it can cause significant damage, particularly if lodged in the esophagus. Immediate surgery may be required depending on its location and the potential for causing harm.

5. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Slow respirations
• C. Warm, flushed skin
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

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