Nursing Elites

1. A mother of a 6-year-old actively playing child, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus a year ago, calls a clinic nurse and reports that the child has been sick. She checked the child's urine, which was positive for ketones. What should the nurse instruct the mother to do?

• A. Administer an additional dose of regular insulin
• B. Come to the clinic immediately
• C. Encourage the child to drink liquids
• D. Hold the next dose of insulin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the child to drink liquids is essential in managing ketones in urine. Increased fluid intake can help prevent dehydration and aid in flushing out ketones, which is crucial in managing diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes.

2. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought to the emergency department by the mother, who states that the child has been complaining of abdominal pain and has been lethargic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed. Anticipating the plan of care, the nurse prepares to administer which type of intravenous (IV) infusion?

• A. 5% dextrose infusion
• B. Normal saline infusion
• C. NPH insulin infusion
• D. Potassium infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial intravenous (IV) fluid of choice is normal saline infusion. Normal saline helps to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA patients. It does not contain glucose to prevent worsening hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis. NPH insulin infusion is not the initial treatment for DKA; it is typically used after fluid resuscitation. Potassium infusion may be required in DKA to address electrolyte imbalances, but normal saline is the priority for fluid resuscitation.

3. A new parent reports to the nurse that the baby looks cross-eyed several times a day. The nurse teaches the parents that this finding should resolve in how long?

• A. 2 months
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 1 year
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Transient strabismus, causing the baby to look cross-eyed, is due to poor neuromuscular control of the eye muscles. This condition typically resolves on its own within 3 to 4 months as the infant's neuromuscular control improves. Parents should be reassured that this is a common and temporary issue in infants. Choice A is incorrect as it is too long for the resolution of transient strabismus. Choice B is incorrect as 2 weeks is too short for resolution. Choice C is incorrect as 1 year is too long for transient strabismus to resolve.

4. You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. How should you manage this situation?

• A. Inform the parents of your suspicions.
• B. Transport the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes.
• C. Call the police and have the parents arrested.
• D. Advise the parents that the child needs to be transported.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, the priority is the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported for further evaluation and care is the appropriate initial step. This ensures that the child receives necessary medical attention while also addressing the suspicion of abuse through proper channels. It is essential to involve appropriate authorities and follow established procedures to protect the child and investigate any potential abuse further.

5. In the pediatric ward at Nyamebekyere teaching hospital, when should oxygen be applied to children?

• A. Central cyanosis
• B. Respiratory rate >70 breaths per minute
• C. Grunting noted on assessment
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: All the listed conditions, central cyanosis, respiratory rate >70 breaths per minute, and grunting on assessment, are indicative of the need for oxygen therapy. Central cyanosis suggests severe hypoxemia, a respiratory rate >70 breaths per minute can indicate respiratory distress, and grunting is a sign of increased work of breathing. Administering oxygen in these situations can help improve oxygenation and support the child's respiratory function, making option D the correct choice.

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