Nursing Elites

1. An order is written for an isotonic enema for a 2-year-old child. What is the maximum amount of fluid the nurse should administer without a specific order from the health care provider?

• A. 100 to 150 mL
• B. 155 to 250 mL
• C. 255 to 360 mL
• D. 365 to 500 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a 2-year-old child, the maximum recommended amount of fluid for an isotonic enema is between 155 to 250 mL to prevent overdistension and potential harm. Choice A (100 to 150 mL) is too low and may not be effective in achieving the desired outcome. Choices C (255 to 360 mL) and D (365 to 500 mL) exceed the safe range for a 2-year-old child and can lead to overdistension, electrolyte imbalance, or other complications. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

2. Which best describes a full-thickness (third-degree) burn?

• A. Erythema and pain
• B. Skin showing erythema followed by blister formation
• C. Destruction of all layers of skin evident with extension into subcutaneous tissue
• D. Destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Full-thickness burns involve the destruction of all layers of skin, extending into the subcutaneous tissue. This type of burn causes severe damage and loss of sensation due to nerve destruction. Choice A, erythema and pain, describes superficial burns (first-degree). Choice B, skin showing erythema followed by blister formation, describes partial-thickness burns (second-degree). Choice D, destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone, goes beyond the description of full-thickness burns.

3. 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.

4. A parent brings a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome to the pediatric clinic for a physical and administration of immunizations. Which clinical finding should alert the nurse to perform a further assessment?

• A. Flat occiput
• B. Small, low-set ears
• C. Circumoral cyanosis
• D. Protruding furrowed tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Circumoral cyanosis should alert the nurse to perform a further assessment because it may indicate inadequate oxygenation or circulation, potentially related to cardiac or respiratory issues. Flat occiput (choice A) is a common finding in infants and is not typically concerning. Small, low-set ears (choice B) are common in Down syndrome and not specifically indicative of an acute issue requiring immediate further assessment. Protruding furrowed tongue (choice D) is also commonly seen in infants with Down syndrome and typically does not warrant immediate further assessment unless associated with other concerning signs or symptoms.

5. A healthcare professional is teaching a class of new parents about how to position their infants during the first few weeks of life. Which position is safest?

• A. On the back, lying flat
• B. On either side, lying flat
• C. Head slightly elevated on the left side
• D. Head slightly elevated on the right side

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'On the back, lying flat.' Placing infants on their back to sleep is recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This position promotes safe sleep practices and helps prevent accidental suffocation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as placing infants on their side or with the head slightly elevated may increase the risk of breathing difficulties or other hazards during sleep.

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