Nursing Elites

1. The mother of a child with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse why her child cannot avoid all those ‘shots’ and take pills like an uncle does. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The pills work with adult pancreases only.
• B. Your child needs insulin replaced, and the oral hypoglycemic only add to an existing supply of insulin.
• C. The drugs affect fat and protein metabolism, not sugar.
• D. Perhaps when your child is older the pancreas will produce its own insulin, and then your child can take oral hypoglycemic agents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Children with type 1 diabetes require insulin replacement because their pancreas produces little or no insulin. Oral hypoglycemics used in type 2 diabetes work by improving the effectiveness of insulin the body already makes, which is not sufficient in type 1 diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is not about the pancreas being adult or child-specific but rather the type of diabetes. Choice C is incorrect because it misstates the mechanism of action of the medications. Choice D is incorrect because it provides inaccurate information about the potential for the child's pancreas to produce insulin in the future, which is unlikely in type 1 diabetes.

2. What signs or symptoms are most commonly associated with the prodromal phase of acute viral hepatitis?

• A. Bruising and lethargy
• B. Anorexia and malaise
• C. Fatigability and jaundice
• D. Dark urine and pale stools

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anorexia and malaise. The prodromal phase of acute viral hepatitis is characterized by nonspecific symptoms such as anorexia (loss of appetite) and malaise (general feeling of discomfort). These symptoms typically precede the more specific signs of jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools that manifest in the icteric phase. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because bruising and lethargy, fatigability and jaundice, and dark urine and pale stools are typically seen in later stages of acute viral hepatitis, not in the prodromal phase.

3. A parent of a school-age child tells the school nurse that the parents are going through a divorce. The child has not been doing well in school and sometimes has trouble sleeping. The nurse should recognize this as what?

• A. Indicative of maladjustment
• B. A common reaction to divorce
• C. Suggestive of a lack of adequate parenting
• D. An unusual response that indicates a need for referral

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Poor academic performance and sleep disturbances are common reactions in children going through their parents' divorce, reflecting stress and adjustment challenges.

4. The nurse is taking vital signs on a group of assigned preschool-aged children. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further action?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
• B. Heart rate of 89 beats per minute
• C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is high for a preschool-aged child and may indicate an underlying issue that requires further assessment. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice A) is within the normal range for preschool children. Similarly, a heart rate of 89 beats per minute (choice B) falls within the expected range. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute (choice D) is slightly elevated but may not be as concerning as a heart rate of 120 beats per minute.

5. What is the most appropriate intervention for a child with suspected acute appendicitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Apply heat to the abdomen
• C. Encourage oral fluids
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for surgery. Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent complications like rupture and peritonitis. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be part of the treatment plan but should not delay surgical intervention. Applying heat to the abdomen (choice B) is not recommended as it can worsen the inflammation of the appendix. Encouraging oral fluids (choice C) is generally beneficial, but the priority in acute appendicitis is surgical intervention.

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