Nursing Elites

1. During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child’s reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. The child is repressing feelings towards the parent.
• B. Routines have been established, and the child feels safe.
• C. The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.
• D. Behavior has improved because the child feels better physically.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The child's behavior of smiling easily, interacting happily with nurses, and showing disinterest in the parent when they visit indicates that the child has emotionally withdrawn and accepted the separation. This response suggests that the child may have given up fighting against the separation from the parent due to prolonged hospitalization. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A about the child repressing feelings towards the parent is not supported by the scenario. Choice B about routines and feeling safe does not address the emotional aspect of the child's behavior. Choice D about improved behavior due to feeling better physically does not explain the emotional dynamics at play in the child's behavior.

2. A child with a diagnosis of appendicitis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Maintaining strict NPO status
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is to monitor for signs of infection. This is crucial to ensure that any potential infections are promptly identified and managed before surgery. Administering antibiotics, maintaining strict NPO status, and encouraging fluid intake are important interventions in various clinical situations but are not the priority in this scenario. Administering antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan but is typically prescribed by a physician. Maintaining NPO status is important to prevent complications related to anesthesia but may not directly address the specific needs of a child with appendicitis. Encouraging fluid intake is generally beneficial for hydration but may not be the primary concern before surgery for appendicitis.

3. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
• B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
• C. Place child on a cardiac monitor
• D. Place child on a pulse oximetry monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Initiating intravenous saline solution is the initial priority in managing diabetic ketoacidosis to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration first can lead to potential complications. While monitoring cardiac status and oxygen saturation are important, addressing the fluid and electrolyte imbalances takes precedence in the management of DKA.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of a child with tetralogy of Fallot that indicates an elevated RBC count. What does the professional identify as the cause of the polycythemia?

• A. Low tissue oxygen needs
• B. Tissue oxygen needs
• C. Diminished iron level
• D. Hypertrophic cardiac muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs as the body's response to chronic hypoxia by increasing RBC production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, the heart's structure causes reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This chronic hypoxia stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, leading to an elevated RBC count. Choice A is incorrect as low blood pressure is not directly related to polycythemia in this context. Choice C, diminished iron level, is not the cause of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is not the primary cause of the elevated RBC count in this case.

5. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Encouraging physical activity
• D. Encouraging frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with cystic fibrosis is administering pancreatic enzymes. This is crucial for managing the condition as it helps in proper digestion of nutrients. Providing respiratory therapy and encouraging physical activity are important aspects of care for cystic fibrosis, but administering pancreatic enzymes takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients. Encouraging frequent handwashing is a good practice for infection control but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.

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