Nursing Elites

1. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, at what apical pulse did the nurse decide to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the health care provider?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and its administration is based on heart rate parameters. A pulse rate below 90 beats/min indicates bradycardia. In pediatric patients, bradycardia below this threshold may be a sign of toxicity or potential adverse effects of digoxin, necessitating withholding the medication and informing the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent pulse rates above the threshold for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child.

2. What finding would lead healthcare providers to suspect Turner syndrome in a child?

• A. Webbed neck
• B. Microcephaly
• C. Gynecomastia
• D. Cognitive delay

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A webbed neck is a classic physical characteristic seen in individuals with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition that results from a missing or partially missing X chromosome in females. This distinctive feature occurs due to excess skin on the neck and is a key clinical clue for healthcare providers. Microcephaly (choice B) refers to a small head size and is not typically associated with Turner syndrome. Gynecomastia (choice C) is the enlargement of breast tissue in males and is not a common finding in Turner syndrome. Cognitive delay (choice D) involves intellectual or developmental delays and is not a specific feature of Turner syndrome.

3. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Monitoring fluid intake
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering pain medication is the most crucial nursing intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Pain management is a priority to alleviate the patient's discomfort and improve outcomes. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the priority during a crisis situation. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

4. Following delivery of a newborn, the 21-year-old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding. You note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120 beats/min and she is diaphoretic. Management should include

• A. Oxygen, uterine massage, and transport
• B. Oxygen, placement on the left side, and transport
• C. Oxygen, treatment for shock, and uterine massage during transport
• D. Oxygen, internal vaginal pads, and treatment for shock during transport

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the 21-year-old mother is showing signs of hemorrhagic shock with increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and vaginal bleeding. The appropriate management includes providing oxygen to support tissue perfusion, treating for shock to restore adequate circulation, and performing uterine massage to help control bleeding during transport. Options A, B, and D do not address the comprehensive management needed for postpartum hemorrhage in this situation.

5. What clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot should the nurse expect when caring for children with this diagnosis?

• A. Slow respirations
• B. Clubbing of fingers
• C. Decreased RBC counts
• D. Subcutaneous hemorrhages

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Clubbing of fingers. Clubbing of fingers is a common manifestation in children with tetralogy of Fallot due to chronic hypoxia. This condition causes the fingertips and nails to enlarge, creating a bulbous or club-like appearance. Slow respirations (Choice A) are not a typical clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot. Decreased RBC counts (Choice C) may be seen in conditions like anemia but are not specific to tetralogy of Fallot. Subcutaneous hemorrhages (Choice D) are not a characteristic clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot.

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