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. The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed, as-needed antiemetic drug for a child diagnosed with cancer. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Administering the drug only if the child is nauseated.
• B. Administering the drug prophylactically before the next dose of chemotherapy.
• C. Administering the drug after the next dose of chemotherapy.
• D. Administering the drug only if the child is experiencing diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering the antiemetic prophylactically before the next dose of chemotherapy is the most appropriate action. This approach helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Waiting until the child is already nauseated, as stated in option A, is less effective as it is reactive rather than proactive. Administering the drug after chemotherapy, as in option C, may not be as beneficial in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Option D, administering the drug only if the child is experiencing diarrhea, is not relevant to the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea.

3. The nurse needs to start an intravenous (IV) line on an 8-year-old child to begin administering intravenous antibiotics. The child starts to cry and tells the nurse, "Do it later, okay?" What action should the nurse take?

• A. Postpone starting the IV until the next shift.
• B. Start the IV line and then allow for expression of feelings.
• C. Change the route of the antibiotics to PO.
• D. Postpone starting the IV line until the child is ready.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Starting the IV as planned while allowing the child to express feelings afterward helps build trust and ensures the timely administration of necessary antibiotics. Delaying the procedure or changing the route could compromise the child's treatment.

4. What condition is often associated with severe diarrhea?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to a loss of bicarbonate, resulting in metabolic acidosis. This is a common complication of prolonged or severe diarrhea, especially in children.

5. What is the most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth is the initiation of breathing. This transition is crucial for the newborn to start exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide outside the womb, marking the beginning of their independent respiratory function. Choices B, C, and D are important aspects of newborn care but are not as immediately critical as the establishment of breathing for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide, which is essential for the newborn's survival and adaptation to extrauterine life.

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