Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:

• A. Ventilate her with a bag-valve mask.
• B. Start chest compressions.
• C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask.
• D. Place her in the recovery position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.

3. What action should you take if a newborn's heart rate is 50 beats/min?

• A. Begin chest compressions.
• B. Reassess in 30 seconds.
• C. Administer blow-by oxygen.
• D. Start positive-pressure ventilations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If a newborn's heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, the appropriate action is to start positive-pressure ventilations. Ventilations help deliver oxygen to the newborn's body and support respiratory function, which is critical in cases of bradycardia. Chest compressions are not recommended until the heart rate is below 60 despite adequate ventilation. Reassessment is essential but not the immediate action required in this scenario. Administering blow-by oxygen alone may not effectively address the underlying cause of bradycardia, making positive-pressure ventilations the priority intervention in this case.

4. A 3-year-old child has been admitted to your pediatric ward. The doctor gave a provisional diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. After careful assessment and history, a final diagnosis of lower respiratory infection was made. Which of the following signs will confirm the diagnosis?

• A. Cough
• B. Fever
• C. Inability to lie supine
• D. Inability to eat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inability to lie supine is a characteristic sign of lower respiratory infection. This positioning preference is often seen in patients with lower respiratory infections due to discomfort or difficulty breathing when lying flat on their back. While cough and fever are common symptoms associated with respiratory infections, they are not specific to lower respiratory infections. Inability to eat may indicate general illness or discomfort but is not a specific indicator of lower respiratory infection.

5. A child is being admitted to the hospital for probable pneumonia. The nurse asks what the parents have done at home for this illness. The parent comments that they have given the child a tea made up of herbs that a neighbor recommended. The parents ask if that is a safe thing to do. The most appropriate response for the nurse is:

• A. Sure, if it doesn't make the child worse, it could help.
• B. Of course, teas are rarely harmful.
• C. It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.
• D. Absolutely not, herbal teas are not appropriate for children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response is C: 'It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.' This response acknowledges the potential differences in the effects of herbal teas on adults versus children and highlights the importance of considering the lack of specific research on this topic when it comes to pediatric care. Choice A is incorrect because assuming something is safe without evidence can be risky in a pediatric setting. Choice B is also incorrect as it oversimplifies the safety of herbal teas. Choice D is too definitive and does not consider the possibility that herbal teas might have different effects on children than on adults.

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