Nursing Elites

1. An intravenous line is needed in a school-age child. What medication is an appropriate analgesic for use with this patient?

• A. TAC (tetracaine, epinephrine [Adrenalin], cocaine) 15 minutes before the procedure.
• B. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch at the site of venipuncture.
• C. EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) immediately before the procedure.
• D. LMX (4% liposomal lidocaine cream) 30 minutes before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: LMX is an effective analgesic agent when applied to the skin 30 minutes before a procedure. It eliminates or reduces the pain from most procedures involving skin puncture. TAC provides skin anesthesia about 15 minutes after application to nonintact skin, making it more suitable for wound suturing. Transdermal fentanyl patches are designed for continuous pain control, not rapid pain control needed for a procedure like venipuncture. EMLA, for maximum effectiveness, must be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure, making it less suitable for immediate pain relief required for intravenous line placement.

2. A 3-year-old child, previously potty-trained, becomes a bed-wetter again during a hospital stay. Which explanation should the nurse provide to the parents?

• A. “Your child is no longer potty-trained and will need to be retrained when she goes home.”
• B. “The child may have developed a bladder infection in the hospital. I will notify the doctor.”
• C. “Preschool children may regress in their behaviors when they are ill in the hospital but should return to normal when they go back home.”
• D. “Don’t worry about it, she is fine.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a hospital stay, preschool children may exhibit regression in behaviors such as bed-wetting due to stress. It is important for parents to understand that this behavior is a common response to the hospital environment and should resolve once the child is back home. Therefore, the correct explanation for the nurse to provide to the parents is choice C. Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately states that the child is no longer potty-trained. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes a medical issue without evidence. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the parents' concerns without addressing the underlying cause of the behavior.

3. During a routine health assessment, the nurse notes that an 8-month-old infant has a significant head lag. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Recheck head control at the next visit
• B. Teach the parents appropriate exercises
• C. Schedule the child for further evaluation
• D. Refer the child for further evaluation if the anterior fontanel is still open

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Significant head lag at 8 months is concerning and warrants further evaluation, as it may indicate developmental delays or neurological issues.

4. Parents of a child who will need hemodialysis ask the nurse, What are the advantages of a fistula over a graft or external access device for hemodialysis? (Select all that apply.)

• A. It is ready to be used immediately.
• B. All below
• C. There is less restriction of activity with a fistula.
• D. It produces dilation and thickening of the superficial vessels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A fistula typically has fewer complications, allows for greater freedom of movement, and involves natural vessel changes that improve dialysis efficiency. However, it is not ready for immediate use, which is why it may take weeks to mature before it can be used.

5. What is the most appropriate action for a child with epistaxis?

• A. Have the child lie flat
• B. Pinch the nose and lean forward
• C. Apply a warm compress to the nose
• D. Encourage deep breathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action for a child with epistaxis is to pinch the nose and lean forward. This technique helps stop the bleeding and prevent aspiration of blood. By applying pressure to the bleeding vessels and allowing the blood to drain out of the nostrils instead of being swallowed, the risk of nausea and airway obstruction is reduced. Having the child lie flat (Choice A) may lead to blood flowing down the throat, causing potential choking. Applying a warm compress (Choice C) is not typically recommended for epistaxis as cold compresses are more effective. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is not directly related to managing epistaxis.

Similar Questions