Nursing Elites

1. Latex allergy is suspected in a child with spina bifida. What are appropriate nursing interventions to include in care of this patient?

• A. Avoid using any latex product.
• B. Use only non-allergenic latex products.
• C. Teach the family about long-term management of asthma.
• D. Administer medication for long-term desensitization.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid using any latex product.' In the case of a suspected latex allergy, it is crucial to prevent exposure to latex products to avoid allergic reactions. Choice B is incorrect because there are no truly non-allergenic latex products. Choice C is irrelevant to the situation described in the question, as the child does not have asthma. Choice D is also incorrect because desensitization is not an immediate option for managing a suspected latex allergy.

2. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

3. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

4. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

5. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome to decrease proteinuria?

• A. Albumin
• B. Prednisone
• C. Penicillin
• D. Furosemide (Lasix)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is the primary treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome as it helps to reduce inflammation in the kidneys and decrease proteinuria by stabilizing the glomerular filtration barrier. Albumin is a protein replacement therapy and would not directly decrease proteinuria. Penicillin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections and is not used to manage Nephrotic Syndrome. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps in managing fluid retention but does not specifically target proteinuria in Nephrotic Syndrome.

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