Nursing Elites

1. The apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate for the third time during this shift. What is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Provide tactile stimulation.
• B. Administer 100% oxygen.
• C. Investigate possible causes of a false alarm.
• D. Assess infant for color and presence of respirations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when the apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate is to assess the infant for color and the presence of respirations. This initial assessment helps determine the infant's respiratory status and the need for immediate intervention. Providing tactile stimulation or administering oxygen should only be done after assessing the infant's respiratory status. Investigating possible causes of a false alarm comes after ensuring the infant's well-being through the initial assessment.

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 is the most appropriate intervention for a child with suspected acute appendicitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Apply heat to the abdomen
• C. Encourage oral fluids
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for surgery. Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent complications like rupture and peritonitis. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be part of the treatment plan but should not delay surgical intervention. Applying heat to the abdomen (choice B) is not recommended as it can worsen the inflammation of the appendix. Encouraging oral fluids (choice C) is generally beneficial, but the priority in acute appendicitis is surgical intervention.

4. A 7-year-old has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Chest physiotherapy has been ordered. What information should the nurse give to the parents regarding when chest physiotherapy is done?

• A. Before aerosol treatment
• B. After suctioning
• C. Before postural drainage
• D. Before meals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Before meals'. Chest physiotherapy should be performed before meals to reduce the risk of vomiting and to ensure that the airways are clear for effective nutrition. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because chest physiotherapy is ideally done before meals to optimize its benefits and avoid complications associated with timing.

5. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

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