Nursing Elites

1. An infant who had cardiac surgery for a congenital defect is to be discharged. What should the nurse emphasize to the parents regarding administering the prescribed antibiotic?

• A. Give the antibiotic between feedings.
• B. Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.
• C. Shake the bottle thoroughly before administering the antibiotic.
• D. Keep the antibiotic in the refrigerator after opening the bottle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.' It's crucial to stress the importance of following the prescribed antibiotic regimen to prevent infections and promote proper healing after cardiac surgery. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the fundamental aspect of adherence to the prescription. Choice C is incorrect as shaking the bottle may not be necessary for all antibiotics and is not a critical instruction in this context. Choice D is incorrect as storage instructions are not directly related to the administration of the antibiotic as prescribed, which is the primary concern in this scenario.

2. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected pertussis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare professional likely to observe?

• A. Dry, hacking cough
• B. Inspiratory stridor
• C. Nasal congestion
• D. Severe coughing spells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe coughing spells are a hallmark clinical manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by paroxysms of rapid, consecutive coughs followed by a distinctive 'whoop' sound as the patient gasps for air. This intense coughing can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and sometimes a characteristic 'whoop' sound. Inspiratory stridor (Choice B) is more commonly associated with croup, not pertussis. Nasal congestion (Choice C) is not a typical feature of pertussis. While a cough is present in pertussis, the specific type of cough described in Choice A (dry, hacking cough) is not the predominant feature observed in pertussis.

4. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?

• A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide high-calorie snacks
• D. Encourage frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor liver function tests regularly. Methotrexate, commonly used in JIA, can be hepatotoxic. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early. While encouraging regular exercise (choice B) is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (choice C) is not a necessary consideration in this context and can be misleading. Encouraging frequent handwashing (choice D) is important for infection control but is not specifically related to the medication methotrexate.

5. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Encourage a high-protein diet
• B. Avoid foods high in salt
• C. Encourage a low-sodium diet
• D. Encourage a low-protein diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a child with nephrotic syndrome, it is crucial to avoid foods high in salt to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention and exacerbate edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice A) may put additional strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. While protein restriction is sometimes needed, it is not the primary dietary concern in nephrotic syndrome. Similarly, a low-protein diet (Choice D) is not typically recommended as it may lead to malnutrition in children. Although a low-sodium diet (Choice C) may sound similar to avoiding foods high in salt, the emphasis should be on reducing salt intake specifically, rather than a generalized low-sodium approach.

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