Nursing Elites

1. General guidelines when assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion include:

• A. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen.
• B. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination.
• C. examining the child in the parent's arms.
• D. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach can help maintain the child's comfort, keep them calm, and increase their cooperation during the assessment. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice A) can be distressing and uncomfortable for the child. Separating the child from the parent (Choice B) may cause additional stress and hinder the examination process. Palpating the painful area first (Choice D) can lead to increased discomfort and resistance from the child.

2. A new parent reports to the nurse that the baby looks cross-eyed several times a day. The nurse teaches the parents that this finding should resolve in how long?

• A. 2 months
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 1 year
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Transient strabismus, causing the baby to look cross-eyed, is due to poor neuromuscular control of the eye muscles. This condition typically resolves on its own within 3 to 4 months as the infant's neuromuscular control improves. Parents should be reassured that this is a common and temporary issue in infants. Choice A is incorrect as it is too long for the resolution of transient strabismus. Choice B is incorrect as 2 weeks is too short for resolution. Choice C is incorrect as 1 year is too long for transient strabismus to resolve.

3. Justine is admitted to the pediatric unit due to the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis signaling a new diagnosis of diabetes. The diabetes team explores the cause of the episode and takes steps to prevent a recurrence. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from an excessive accumulation of which of the following?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate from renal compensation
• B. Potassium from cell death
• C. Glucose from carbohydrate metabolism
• D. Ketone bodies from fat metabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from the excessive accumulation of ketone bodies from fat metabolism. During DKA, there is a lack of insulin leading to the breakdown of fat stores into fatty acids and their subsequent conversion into ketone bodies. These ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis and the characteristic symptoms of DKA.

4. What is the proper depth of chest compressions for a 9-month-old infant?

• A. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 1 1/2 inches.
• B. 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch.
• C. 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches.
• D. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When performing chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant, the proper depth is 1/3 the diameter of the chest, which equates to approximately 1 1/2 inches. This depth is crucial for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in infants. Choice B, which suggests 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch, is incorrect as it does not provide the recommended depth for infants. Choice C, stating 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches, is too deep and may cause harm to the infant. Choice D, mentioning 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch, is also incorrect as it underestimates the required depth for effective chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant.

5. What is the most important intervention to decrease the stressors of hospitalization for a 9-month-old infant being treated for a bacterial infection?

• A. Encourage the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care.
• B. Provide a brightly lit environment for the infant.
• C. Play tapes of the mother's voice.
• D. Assign the same nurse to the infant as much as possible.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care is crucial in decreasing the stressors of hospitalization for the infant. Parental presence provides comfort and security, promotes bonding, and maintains a sense of familiarity for the infant during a potentially stressful situation. This involvement can help reduce anxiety and promote better outcomes for the infant's emotional well-being and overall hospital experience. Providing a brightly lit environment (choice B) can actually increase stress for the infant, as infants generally prefer dimly lit environments for better sleep. Playing tapes of the mother's voice (choice C) may offer some comfort but does not substitute for parental presence. While assigning the same nurse to the infant (choice D) can provide continuity of care, it is not as effective as having the parents present for emotional support and bonding.

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