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 boy presents to the outpatient clinic for a sore throat. In the child’s mind, which is the most likely cause for the sore throat?

• A. Being exposed to a classmate with strep throat
• B. Not eating the right foods
• C. Not taking daily vitamins
• D. Yelling at sibling for being annoying

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Preschool-age children often attribute illness to their actions, like yelling at a sibling or not following instructions. They may not understand medical causes such as exposure to infections like strep throat (choice A), dietary factors (choice B), or vitamin deficiencies (choice C). It is common for young children to connect symptoms to recent behaviors or events within their limited understanding.

3. Evidence-based practice (EBP), a decision-making model, is best described as which?

• A. Using information in textbooks to guide care
• B. Combining knowledge with clinical experience and intuition
• C. Using a professional code of ethics as a means for decision-making
• D. Gathering all evidence that applies to the child’s health and family situation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Evidence-based practice involves gathering and integrating all relevant evidence to guide clinical decision-making, ensuring that care is based on the best available research.

4. What major complication is associated with a child with chronic renal failure?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Water and sodium retention
• D. Excessive excretion of blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water and sodium retention is a major complication in chronic renal failure, leading to hypertension and edema. Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis are less common, and while BUN levels rise, retention rather than excretion is problematic in chronic renal failure.

5. The nurse is teaching parents guidelines for feeding their 8-month-old infant with failure to thrive (FTT). Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will continue to use the 24-kcal/oz formula.
• B. We will be sure to follow the formula preparation instructions.
• C. We will be sure to give our infant at least 8 oz of juice every day.
• D. We will be sure to feed our infant according to the written schedule.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing 8 oz of juice daily is excessive for an 8-month-old infant and can displace other nutrient-rich foods or formulas that are necessary for growth, especially in an infant with FTT.

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