Nursing Elites

1. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

2. A preschool-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit for surgery. The parents request to stay with their child. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Tell the parents they can stay in the hospital but not on the unit
• B. Read the rules and regulations of rooming in with the child
• C. Let the parents know they are allowed to stay with the child
• D. Explain to the parents why they cannot stay with the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is to let the parents know they are allowed to stay with the child. Allowing parents to stay with the child can help reduce the child's anxiety and provide comfort. Choice A is incorrect as the parents should be encouraged to stay with their child. Choice B is not the immediate response the nurse should provide. Choice D is inappropriate as it does not address the benefits and importance of parental presence for the child's well-being during hospitalization.

3. An adolescent states, “I want to be a doctor or a lawyer when I grow up because I like taking care of people.” Which Eriksonian challenge is the adolescent attempting?

• A. Identity vs. role diffusion
• B. Trust vs. mistrust
• C. Industry vs. inferiority
• D. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Identity vs. role diffusion. During adolescence, individuals face the challenge of forming a cohesive sense of self and identity. In this scenario, the adolescent's desire to become a doctor or lawyer reflects the exploration of potential roles and career paths, indicating an attempt to establish a clear identity. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Trust vs. mistrust is a challenge experienced in infancy, industry vs. inferiority is relevant to the school-age period, and autonomy vs. shame and doubt is associated with the toddler stage, not adolescence.

4. The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler-age client. Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse prior to this procedure?

• A. "We will give you your shot when your mommy comes back."
• B. "I will wipe your skin with a magic wipe and then hold the needle like this and say one, two, three, go and give you your shot. Are you ready?"
• C. "It is all right to cry. After we are done, you can go to the box and pick out your favorite sticker."
• D. "This is a magic sword that will give you your medicine and make you all better."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the child's feelings, provides clear instructions, and offers comfort and rewards to help the child cope with the procedure. Choice A is not appropriate as it may create anxiety about the injection. Choice B uses the term 'magic,' which may confuse the child and lead to fear. Choice D introduces a fantasy element that may not be beneficial in preparing the child for the injection.

5. Which sign is indicative of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants?

• A. Ortolani sign
• B. Romberg sign
• C. Trendelenburg sign
• D. Gower's sign

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Ortolani sign is a specific maneuver used during physical examination to detect hip instability or dislocation in infants. A positive Ortolani sign, where the hip is felt to slip back into the socket, is indicative of developmental dysplasia of the hip, a condition that can lead to long-term disability if not treated early. Romberg sign is used to assess sensory ataxia, Trendelenburg sign indicates weakness of the hip abductor muscles, and Gower's sign is seen in children with proximal muscle weakness climbing up their own body from a supine position due to conditions like muscular dystrophy.

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