Nursing Elites

1. An awake, alert 4-year-old child has just arrived at the emergency department after an ingestion of aspirin at home. The practitioner has ordered activated charcoal. The nurse administers charcoal in which manner?

• A. Giving half of the solution and then repeating the other half in 1 hour
• B. Mixing with a flavorful beverage in an opaque container with a straw
• C. Serving it in a clear plastic cup so the child can see how much has been drunk
• D. Administering it through a nasogastric tube because the child will not drink it because of the taste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mixing activated charcoal with a flavorful beverage in an opaque container can help mask the taste and encourage the child to ingest it. Using an opaque container can prevent the child from seeing the unappealing appearance of the charcoal mixture, increasing compliance.

2. The nurse is teaching a parent of a 6-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) before discharge. What instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed in the crib to a 90-degree angle while the infant is sleeping.
• B. Hold the infant in the prone position after a feeding.
• C. Discontinue breastfeeding so that a formula and rice cereal mixture can be used.
• D. Prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet) should be given 30 minutes before feedings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid, helping manage GER. Holding the infant in the prone position is not recommended due to the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding should not be discontinued unless advised by a physician. Elevating the head to 90 degrees is excessive.

3. A 6-year-old child has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after orthopedic surgery. The parents are worried that their child will be in pain. What should your explanation to the parents include?

• A. The child will continue to sleep and be pain-free
• B. Parents cannot administer additional medication with the button
• C. The pump can deliver baseline and bolus dosages
• D. There is a high risk of overdose, so monitoring is done every 15 minutes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: PCA pumps are designed to deliver both a continuous baseline dose and patient-activated bolus doses, which can help manage pain effectively while minimizing the risk of overdose.

4. The nurse suspects fluid overload in an infant receiving intravenous fluids. What clinical manifestation is suggestive of water intoxication?

• A. Oliguria
• B. Weight loss
• C. Irritability and seizures
• D. Muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water intoxication can lead to cerebral edema, causing neurological symptoms such as irritability and seizures. Oliguria, weight loss, and muscle weakness are not typical signs of water intoxication.

5. Which nursing action is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child?

• A. Providing brochures regarding sexuality
• B. Giving clear instructions about details of treatment
• C. Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure
• D. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child. Allowing the child to familiarize themselves with the equipment helps reduce fear and anxiety about the upcoming procedure. Choices A, B, and D are not as appropriate for a school-age child. Providing brochures regarding sexuality is not developmentally appropriate for this age group. Giving clear instructions about treatment details may overwhelm a child of this age. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure is more suitable for younger children.

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