Nursing Elites

1. Parents of a newborn with ambiguous genitalia want to know how long they will have to wait to know whether they have a boy or a girl. The nurse answers the parents based on what knowledge?

• A. Chromosome analysis will be complete in 7 days.
• B. A physical examination will be able to provide a definitive answer.
• C. Additional laboratory testing is necessary to assign the correct gender.
• D. Gender assignment involves collaboration between the parents and a multidisciplinary team.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gender assignment in cases of ambiguous genitalia is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach, including genetic, endocrinological, and psychological evaluations. The decision should be made collaboratively with the parents.

2. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

3. When transitioning from intravenous to oral morphine, what would the nurse anticipate regarding the oral dose in comparison to the intravenous dose to achieve equianalgesia?

• A. Same as the intravenous dose
• B. Greater than the intravenous dose
• C. One half of the intravenous dose
• D. One fourth of the intravenous dose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When switching from intravenous to oral morphine, a higher oral dose is required to achieve equianalgesia due to significant metabolism from the first-pass effect. Choosing the same oral dose as the intravenous dose would provide less pain relief. Opting for a dose greater than the intravenous dose is necessary to achieve the same analgesic effect. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.

4. What is the most consistent and commonly used indicator of pain in infants?

• A. Increased respirations
• B. Increased heart rate
• C. Thrashing of arms and legs
• D. Facial expression of discomfort

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Facial expression has consistently been validated as an indicator of pain in infants. Behavioral pain measures are most reliable for sharp procedural pain in infants. Increased heart rate and respirations are indicative of a generalized and complex response to stress, not specific for pain in infants. Thrashing of arms and legs is a reliable indicator in young children, not specifically in infants.

5. The nurse is administering activated charcoal to a preschool child with acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning. What potential complications from the use of activated charcoal should the nurse plan to assess for?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Vomiting
• C. All are correct
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Common complications of activated charcoal administration include diarrhea and vomiting. Intestinal obstruction can occur if the charcoal forms a mass in the intestines. Fluid retention is less likely and not typically a complication associated with activated charcoal.

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