Nursing Elites

1. The clinic nurse is reviewing statistics on infant mortality for the United States versus other countries. Compared with other countries that have a population of at least 25 million, the nurse makes which determination?

• A. The United States is ranked last among 27 countries
• B. The United States is ranked similar to 20 other developed countries
• C. The United States is ranked in the middle of 20 other developed countries
• D. The United States is ranked highest among 27 other industrialized countries

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The United States is ranked last among developed countries with similar populations in terms of infant mortality rates, highlighting a significant public health concern.

2. The mother of an infant diagnosed with bronchiolitis asks the nurse what causes the disease. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• B. Haemophilus influenzae
• C. Parainfluenza
• D. Rotavirus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, especially in infants. Bronchiolitis is characterized by inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. Choice B, Haemophilus influenzae, is a bacterium that can cause respiratory infections but is not the primary cause of bronchiolitis. Choice C, Parainfluenza, is a common viral infection that can cause croup and other respiratory illnesses but is not the main cause of bronchiolitis. Choice D, Rotavirus, is a virus that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea and vomiting, and is not associated with bronchiolitis.

3. An infant is brought to the emergency department with the following clinical manifestations: poor skin turgor, weight loss, lethargy, tachycardia, and tachypnea. This is suggestive of which situation?

• A. Water excess
• B. Sodium excess
• C. Water depletion
• D. Potassium excess

Correct answer: C

Rationale: These symptoms are indicative of dehydration or water depletion, which is common in infants and can rapidly lead to severe consequences if not addressed promptly.

4. Why is knowledge of developmental theories useful for the nurse?

• A. Allows the nurse to know exactly what to do when caring for pediatric patients
• B. Is predictable and aids in controlling the child’s development
• C. Is a set of facts that each child follows in a prescribed method
• D. Provides a framework to guide the nurse in caring for the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Understanding developmental theories helps nurses anticipate and plan appropriate care based on the child’s developmental stage. Choice A is incorrect because developmental theories provide a framework but do not dictate exact actions. Choice B is incorrect as developmental processes are not entirely predictable and are not meant to control a child’s development. Choice C is incorrect as developmental theories are not a strict set of facts that all children follow in a prescribed manner, but rather guidelines for understanding and supporting a child's growth and development.

5. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

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