Nursing Elites

1. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

2. A child has a nasogastric (NG) tube after surgery for Hirschsprung disease. What is the purpose of the NG tube?

• A. Prevent the spread of infection.
• B. Monitor electrolyte balance.
• C. Prevent abdominal distention.
• D. Maintain accurate records of output.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of an NG tube post-surgery for Hirschsprung disease is to prevent abdominal distention by decompressing the stomach and intestines. This helps prevent complications and promotes healing.

3. The nurse is caring for a child with acute renal failure. What laboratory findings should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. All are applicable
• D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute renal failure, laboratory findings typically include hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels due to the kidneys' inability to excrete waste and balance electrolytes. Metabolic alkalosis is less common, with metabolic acidosis being more typical.

4. A child is admitted with renal failure. Which of these findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased BUN
• B. Azotemia and oliguria
• C. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• D. Polyuria and elevated creatinine clearance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Azotemia (elevated BUN and creatinine) and oliguria (reduced urine output) are classic signs of renal failure, indicating impaired kidney function. In renal failure, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN and creatinine levels in the blood. Additionally, oliguria occurs due to decreased kidney function. Increased GFR (Choice C) is not expected in renal failure as it signifies improved kidney function, which is not the case in renal failure. Polyuria and elevated creatinine clearance (Choice D) are not typical findings in renal failure. Polyuria is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus, while elevated creatinine clearance would indicate increased kidney function, which is contrary to the impaired function seen in renal failure.

5. The presence of which pair of factors is a good predictor of a fluid deficit of at least 5% in an infant?

• A. Weight loss and decreased heart rate
• B. Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds and no tears
• C. Increased skin elasticity and sunken anterior fontanel
• D. Dry mucous membranes and generally ill appearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes and an ill appearance are good indicators of dehydration in infants, often correlating with a fluid deficit of at least 5%. Sunken fontanels and poor skin turgor are also indicative but were not options here.

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