Nursing Elites

1. The mother of a 5-year-old child taking prednisone for nephrotic syndrome tells the nurse he needs to get immunizations to enter kindergarten. What does the nurse clarify about receiving immunizations while on prednisone?

• A. Can interfere with the treatment for nephrosis.
• B. Require that the child have antibiotic coverage.
• C. Can be given in smaller, divided doses.
• D. Should be delayed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: No vaccinations or immunizations should be administered while the disease is active and during immunosuppressive therapy.

2. A toddler is admitted to the surgical unit for a planned closure of a temporary colostomy. Which medical prescription should the nurse question?

• A. Clear liquids today, NPO tomorrow
• B. Type and cross-match for 1 unit of packed red blood cells
• C. Rectal temperatures every 4 hours
• D. Start an intravenous line with D5NS at 20 mL per hour

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Rectal temperatures should be avoided in a toddler with a colostomy due to the risk of injury. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate medical prescriptions for a toddler undergoing colostomy closure. Choice A ensures the toddler's intake of clear liquids before being made NPO, choice B prepares for possible blood transfusion needs, and choice D initiates intravenous hydration with D5NS at an appropriate rate.

3. A neonate with a meningomyelocele is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Which nursing action is appropriate for this neonate?

• A. Applying a diaper to prevent contamination of the sac
• B. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position
• C. Encouraging the mother to hold the newborn because she will not be able to pick him up after surgery
• D. Positioning the newborn in a prone position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the newborn in a prone position is appropriate for a neonate with a meningomyelocele before surgery. Placing the newborn in this position helps prevent pressure on the sac, reducing the risk of damaging it and promoting optimal surgical outcomes. Applying a diaper (choice A) may not be recommended as it can increase pressure on the sac. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position (choice B) or encouraging the mother to hold the newborn (choice C) are not ideal actions before surgery as they do not address the specific needs of a neonate with a meningomyelocele.

4. What is the most appropriate nursing consideration for a patient who is prescribed verapamil and digoxin?

• A. Restrict intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods
• B. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds before administration
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
• D. Hold the medications if the heart rate is greater than 110 bpm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed verapamil and digoxin, it is crucial to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity due to the potential interaction between these medications. Verapamil can elevate digoxin blood serum levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing consideration is to notify the healthcare provider of these symptoms. Restricting intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods is not a specific consideration related to this medication combination. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to take an apical pulse for a full minute, not just 30 seconds, to ensure accuracy. Additionally, holding the medications if the heart rate exceeds 110 bpm is not a typical response to the combination of verapamil and digoxin, which can cause bradycardia rather than tachycardia.

5. A child with a history of seizures arrives in the emergency department (ED) in status epilepticus. Which is the priority nursing action?

• A. Take vital signs.
• B. Establish an intravenous line.
• C. Perform rapid neurologic assessment.
• D. Maintain a patent airway.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a child with a history of seizures presents in status epilepticus, the priority nursing action is to maintain a patent airway. This is crucial to ensure proper oxygenation and ventilation. While taking vital signs, establishing an intravenous line, and performing rapid neurologic assessment are important, maintaining a patent airway takes precedence. Hypoxia can lead to serious complications, making airway management the top priority to ensure the child's safety and prevent further deterioration.

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