Nursing Elites

1. During the nurse’s initial assessment of a school-age child, the child reports a pain level of 6 out of 10. The child is lying quietly in bed watching television. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Reassess the child in 15 minutes to see if the pain rating has changed
• B. Administer the prescribed analgesic
• C. Do nothing since the child appears to be resting
• D. Ask the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain management should be based on the child’s report of pain, regardless of their activity level. Administering the prescribed analgesic is the appropriate action. Reassessing the child in 15 minutes without providing immediate pain relief may not be in the child's best interest. Doing nothing since the child appears to be resting may lead to inadequate pain management. Asking the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting does not replace the need for direct assessment and intervention by the nurse.

2. What is the appropriate method for measuring the temperature of a 2-day-old neonate?

• A. Tympanic
• B. Oral
• C. Axillary
• D. Rectal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 2-day-old neonate, the most suitable method to measure temperature is the axillary method. This approach is considered safe and appropriate for neonates, minimizing the risk of injury. Tympanic temperature measurement may not be as accurate in neonates due to their small ear canals. Oral temperature measurement is not recommended for neonates as they may not be able to hold a thermometer properly in their mouths. Rectal temperature measurement is invasive and carries a higher risk of injury and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

3. What is the most important intervention in the management of a child with sickle cell crisis?

• A. Administration of iron supplements
• B. Initiation of high-calorie diet
• C. Administration of pain relief
• D. Limiting fluid intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important intervention in managing a child with sickle cell crisis is the administration of pain relief. During a sickle cell crisis, severe pain is a prominent symptom due to vaso-occlusive episodes. Effective pain management, along with adequate hydration and oxygen therapy, is crucial in treating a sickle cell crisis and preventing further complications. Choice A, the administration of iron supplements, is not the priority during a sickle cell crisis. Iron supplements are typically used to manage anemia in individuals with sickle cell disease but are not the primary intervention during a crisis. Choice B, the initiation of a high-calorie diet, is not the most critical intervention during a sickle cell crisis. While proper nutrition is important in managing sickle cell disease, it is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Hydration is essential in managing sickle cell crisis to prevent complications like dehydration and further vaso-occlusive episodes.

4. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

5. Which immunization is typically administered at birth?

• A. Hepatitis B
• B. DTaP
• C. MMR
• D. Varicella

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Hepatitis B. The Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given at birth to protect against hepatitis B, a virus that can lead to chronic liver disease and liver cancer. This vaccination is crucial for newborns, especially those born to mothers who are carriers of hepatitis B. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because DTaP (B), MMR (C), and Varicella (D) vaccines are not typically administered at birth. DTaP is given in a series starting at 2 months, MMR is usually given around 12-15 months, and Varicella is given between 12-15 months of age.

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