Nursing Elites

1. The mother of a one-month-old calls the clinic to report that the back of her infant's head is flat. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Turn the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping.
• B. Prop the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping.
• C. Place a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back.
• D. Position the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active can help prevent flat spots on the head. This position allows for more natural movement and prevents prolonged pressure on one area of the head, reducing the risk of developing a flat spot. Turning the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping (choice A) is not recommended as it does not address the issue of flat spots. Propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping (choice B) may increase the risk of falls and is not suitable for a one-month-old. Placing a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back (choice C) should be avoided due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2. A 12-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Which finding should the nurse expect during the assessment?

• A. Localized pain and swelling
• B. Generalized joint stiffness
• C. Pain in the muscles
• D. Limited range of motion in the limbs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, patients typically present with localized pain, swelling, and warmth over the affected bone. This is due to the inflammatory response in the bone tissue. Generalized joint stiffness, pain in the muscles, and limited range of motion in the limbs are not specific to osteomyelitis and are more commonly associated with other conditions.

3. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?

• A. Encourage a variety of large portions of food at every meal.
• B. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
• C. Recommend eating the food as siblings eat at home.
• D. Restrict food brought from fast food restaurants.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to eat any food desired and tolerated is the most appropriate intervention for a child with altered nutrition due to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. It is crucial to prioritize maintaining adequate nutritional intake, and by allowing the child to choose foods they desire and can tolerate, the chances of improving their nutritional status increase. This approach helps in ensuring that the child receives necessary nutrients during chemotherapy, even if their appetite is affected by the treatment. Encouraging a variety of large portions of food at every meal (Choice A) may overwhelm the child and worsen their symptoms. Recommending eating the food as siblings eat at home (Choice C) may not align with the child's preferences and tolerances. Restricting food brought from fast food restaurants (Choice D) is not suitable as it may limit the child's options and preferences during a challenging time.

4. A 16-year-old female student with a history of asthma controlled with both an oral antihistamine and an albuterol (Proventil) metered-dose inhaler (MDI) comes to the school nurse. The student complains that she cannot sleep at night, feels shaky, and her heart feels like it is 'beating a mile a minute.' Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. When she last took the antihistamine.
• B. When her last asthma attack occurred.
• C. Duration of most asthma attacks.
• D. How often the MDI is used daily.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to obtain is how often the MDI is used daily. This is crucial to assess if the symptoms of insomnia, shakiness, and rapid heart rate are related to overuse of the inhaler, leading to potential side effects such as systemic effects of beta-2 agonists.

5. The nurse is assessing a 6-month-old infant. Which response requires further evaluation by the nurse?

• A. Has doubled birth weight.
• B. Turns head to locate sound.
• C. Plays peek-a-boo.
• D. Demonstrates startle reflex.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: At 6 months old, the startle reflex should diminish, so its persistence warrants further evaluation by the nurse. Choices A, B, and C are appropriate developmental milestones for a 6-month-old infant. By 6 months, infants typically double their birth weight, exhibit localization of sound by turning their head, and engage in interactive play like peek-a-boo.

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