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. The nurse is counseling a young couple who, in 2 months, are having their third baby. The nurse uses Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families to analyze the family structure. Which best describes the main emphasis of this theory and its application to family dynamics?

• A. It emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components.
• B. It emphasizes the social system of the family, such as the organization or structure of the family and how the structure relates to the function.
• C. It emphasizes the developmental stages that all families go through, beginning with marriage; the longitudinal career of the family is also known as the family life cycle.
• D. It addresses the way families respond to stress and how the family copes with the stress as a group and how each individual member copes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components. This perspective views the family as a dynamic entity where each member's actions and behaviors impact the overall functioning of the family unit. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses more on the social aspects of family structure rather than the systemic view provided by Von Bertalanffy's theory. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains more to the family life cycle theory, which is different from the general system theory. Choice D is incorrect as it addresses stress response within families, a concept not central to Von Bertalanffy's general system theory.

3. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?

• A. Shortened prothrombin time
• B. Increased fibrinogen level
• C. Positive fibrin split products
• D. Increased platelets

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positive fibrin split products are indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is widespread clotting and subsequent consumption of clotting factors, leading to the formation of fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster clotting, which is opposite to the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) may be observed in the early stages of DIC due to the compensatory increase in production, but it is not a definitive indicator. Increased platelets (Choice D) may be seen in the early stages of DIC due to the body's attempt to compensate for clot formation, but it is not a specific finding for DIC.

4. An instructor is developing a plan for a class of nursing students on various skin disorders. When describing urticaria, what would the instructor include?

• A. It is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction.
• B. Histamine release leads to vasodilation.
• C. Wheals appear first followed by erythema.
• D. The nonpruritic rash blanches with pressure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Urticaria is a type I hypersensitivity reaction, not type IV. When triggered, histamine release leads to vasodilation, causing characteristic wheals. Wheals are typically followed by erythema. The rash in urticaria is pruritic and does blanch with pressure, unlike the nonpruritic rash described in choice D. Therefore, the most appropriate description of urticaria includes histamine release and vasodilation, as stated in choice B.

5. The healthcare provider closely monitors the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The purpose of this assessment is to detect an early sign of which possible complication?

• A. infection
• B. hypertension
• C. encephalopathy
• D. edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is crucial for detecting early signs of infection, a common complication in this condition. In nephrotic syndrome, the child's immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for fever or any changes in temperature can help healthcare providers intervene promptly to prevent further complications. Hypertension (choice B) is not typically associated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Encephalopathy (choice C) refers to brain dysfunction and is not a common complication of nephrotic syndrome. Edema (choice D) is a primary manifestation of nephrotic syndrome but is not typically monitored through temperature assessment.

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