Nursing Elites

1. The charge nurse in the pediatric unit is teaching nursing students about pyloric stenosis. A student asks what causes pyloric stenosis. How should the nurse respond?

• A. One portion of the intestines invaginates or telescopes into another
• B. Hypertrophy of the circular pylorus muscle
• C. Relaxed cardiac sphincter
• D. Absent ganglion cells in the colon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pyloric stenosis is caused by the hypertrophy (thickening) of the circular muscle of the pylorus, leading to obstruction. Choice A is incorrect as it describes intussusception, not pyloric stenosis. Choice C is incorrect as a relaxed cardiac sphincter is related to gastroesophageal reflux. Choice D is incorrect as it describes Hirschsprung's disease, not pyloric stenosis.

2. The nurse is caring for a patient from a culture unfamiliar to the local area. The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with the family is to:

• A. Explain that the child must now be cared for differently
• B. Speak in the language most used by the staff and encourage the family to learn it
• C. Be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs
• D. Insist that the family changes their beliefs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with a family from an unfamiliar culture is to be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs. This approach demonstrates cultural competence by honoring and valuing the family's beliefs and practices. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the family's cultural practices without understanding them. Choice B is not the best approach as it focuses on language rather than respecting beliefs. Choice D is inappropriate as it goes against the principles of cultural competence by imposing beliefs on the family.

3. 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.

4. A 4-month-old infant is discharged home after surgery for the repair of a cleft lip. What should instructions to the parents include?

• A. Provide crib toys for distraction
• B. Breast- or bottle-feeding can begin immediately
• C. Give pain medication to the infant to minimize crying
• D. Leave the infant in the crib at all times to prevent suture strain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain management is essential postoperatively to reduce crying, which could place strain on the surgical site. Feeding and holding the infant are allowed, but care should be taken to avoid placing pressure on the suture line.

5. When teaching a discipline class for parents of pre-schoolers, the nurse will be guided by which principle?

• A. Using the strictest form of punishment at the time of infraction is most effective
• B. Punishment increases unwanted behavior
• C. Discipline is to teach and gradually shift control from parents to child, promoting self-discipline
• D. Discipline and punishment are the same

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct principle to guide the nurse when teaching a discipline class for parents of pre-schoolers is that discipline is meant to teach and gradually shift control from parents to the child, promoting self-discipline. This approach focuses on educating children on appropriate behavior rather than solely relying on punishment. Choice A is incorrect because using the strictest punishment is not the most effective method for discipline. Choice B is incorrect because punishment can reinforce unwanted behavior if not used appropriately. Choice D is incorrect because discipline and punishment are not synonymous; discipline involves a broader aspect of teaching and guiding behavior.

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