Nursing Elites

1. Why is knowledge of developmental theories useful for the nurse?

• A. Allows the nurse to know exactly what to do when caring for pediatric patients
• B. Is predictable and aids in controlling the child’s development
• C. Is a set of facts that each child follows in a prescribed method
• D. Provides a framework to guide the nurse in caring for the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Understanding developmental theories helps nurses anticipate and plan appropriate care based on the child’s developmental stage. Choice A is incorrect because developmental theories provide a framework but do not dictate exact actions. Choice B is incorrect as developmental processes are not entirely predictable and are not meant to control a child’s development. Choice C is incorrect as developmental theories are not a strict set of facts that all children follow in a prescribed manner, but rather guidelines for understanding and supporting a child's growth and development.

2. The nurse is preparing a 9-year-old boy before obtaining a blood specimen by venipuncture. The child tells the nurse he does not want to lose his blood. What approach is best by the nurse?

• A. Explain that it will not be painful.
• B. Suggest to him that he not worry about losing just a little bit of blood.
• C. Discuss with him how his body is always in the process of making blood.
• D. Tell the child that he will not even need a Band-Aid afterward because it is a simple procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Discussing how the body continuously makes blood helps the child understand that losing a small amount is normal and not harmful. This educational approach also helps reduce anxiety by giving the child a sense of control over the situation.

3. What term is appropriate terminology to use for an infant whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth charts?

• A. Postterm
• B. Postmature
• C. Low birth weight
• D. Small for gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Small for gestational age.' A small for gestational age, or small-for-date, infant is any child whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth curves. Choices A and B, 'Postterm' and 'Postmature,' refer to infants born after 42 weeks of gestational age regardless of birth weight, and do not specifically address growth rate. Choice C, 'Low birth weight,' refers to infants with a birth weight less than 2500 g (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age, which is a different classification compared to being small for gestational age.

4. The nurse on a pediatric unit is writing guidelines for age-specific preparation of children for procedures based on developmental characteristics. What guideline is accurate?

• A. Inform toddlers about an upcoming procedure 2 hours before the procedure is to be performed.
• B. Inform school-age children about an upcoming procedure immediately before the procedure is scheduled to occur.
• C. Discourage parent presence during procedures on infants and toddlers.
• D. Use simple diagrams of anatomy and physiology to explain a procedure to a school-age child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using simple diagrams helps school-age children understand what to expect in a procedure, catering to their developmental level and reducing anxiety. Informing toddlers too early can increase anxiety, and parents' presence is generally comforting, not discouraging.

5. What is the appropriate placement of a tongue blade for assessment of the mouth and throat?

• A. On the lower jaw
• B. Side of the tongue
• C. Against the soft palate
• D. Center back area of the tongue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The side of the tongue is the appropriate place for a tongue blade to avoid triggering the gag reflex during assessment of the mouth and throat.

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