Nursing Elites

1. In the morning, a healthcare professional receives change-of-shift report on four pediatric clients, each of whom has some form of fluid-volume excess. Which of the children should the healthcare professional see first?

• A. The child with tachypnea and pulmonary congestion
• B. The child with hepatomegaly and normal respiratory rate
• C. The child with dependent and sacral edema and regular pulse
• D. The child with periorbital edema and normal respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The child with tachypnea and pulmonary congestion should be seen first. Tachypnea indicates an increased respiratory rate, a sign of possible respiratory distress. Pulmonary congestion suggests fluid accumulation in the lungs, posing a serious risk to respiratory function. Immediate attention is crucial in this case. Choice B is incorrect as hepatomegaly alone does not indicate an acute issue requiring immediate attention. Choices C and D, while showing signs of fluid-volume excess, do not present the same level of respiratory compromise as tachypnea and pulmonary congestion, making them lower priority.

2. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

3. A toddler in the emergency department has partial thickness burns on his right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Insert a nasogastric tube
• B. Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy
• C. Cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water
• D. Apply a topical corticosteroid to the affected area

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a toddler has partial thickness burns, the nurse should cleanse the affected area with mild soap and water. This action helps remove any loose tissue that could lead to infection and prepares the area for appropriate wound care. Inserting a nasogastric tube (Choice A) is not indicated for a toddler with burns. Initiating prophylactic antibiotic therapy (Choice B) is not necessary for partial thickness burns unless there are signs of infection. Applying a topical corticosteroid (Choice D) is not recommended for initial management of burns as it can delay wound healing.

4. During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, what intervention should be included in the plan of care for a child?

• A. Administer a loop diuretic.
• B. Provide a low-sodium diet.
• C. Weigh the child weekly.
• D. Provide a high-protein diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, the priority is managing fluid balance. Administering a loop diuretic is crucial to promote diuresis and reduce fluid retention, aiding in managing the condition effectively. Providing a low-sodium diet may be beneficial but is not the priority intervention during this phase. Weighing the child weekly is important for monitoring overall health but does not directly address the oliguric phase. Providing a high-protein diet is not typically recommended in acute kidney injury, especially during the oliguric phase, as it can put additional stress on the kidneys.

5. What will the nurse caution the parents of a child who has had a nephrectomy that he will have to avoid?

• A. Contact sports
• B. Horseback riding
• C. Alcohol
• D. Diuretic medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Children who have only one kidney should avoid contact sports to prevent injury to that remaining organ.

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