Nursing Elites

1. The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears ill. There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Ask the parent when the neck was injured
• B. Refer for immediate medical evaluation
• C. Continue assessment to determine the cause of the neck pain
• D. Record head lag on the assessment record and continue the assessment of the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Opisthotonos with pain on flexion is a sign of possible meningitis or other serious neurological conditions, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

2. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

3. What interventions would the nurse implement to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks?

• A. Avoid using alkaline-based soap.
• B. Bathe the infant with sterile water.
• C. Cleanse skin with a gentle alkaline-based soap and water.
• D. Thoroughly rinse skin with plain water after bathing in a mild hexachlorophene solution.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks, the nurse should bathe the infant with sterile water no more than two or three times per week. The eyes, oral and diaper areas, and pressure points should be cleansed daily. It is essential to avoid using alkaline-based soaps as they might destroy the 'acid mantle' of the skin. Additionally, cleansing with mild solutions and rinsing thoroughly with plain water is recommended to prevent skin irritation and maintain skin integrity. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the best practices for preterm infant skin care.

4. The mother of a child with cognitive impairment calls the nurse because her son has been gagging and drooling all morning. The nurse suspects foreign body ingestion. What physiologic occurrence is most likely responsible for the presenting signs?

• A. Gastrointestinal perforation may have occurred.
• B. The object may have been aspirated.
• C. The object may be lodged in the esophagus.
• D. The object may be embedded in the stomach wall.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms of gagging and drooling suggest that the foreign object is likely lodged in the esophagus. This can cause significant discomfort and potential complications, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

5. What urine test result is considered abnormal?

• A. pH 4.0
• B. WBC 1 or 2 cells/ml
• C. Protein level absent
• D. Specific gravity 1.020

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A urine pH of 4.0 is abnormally low, indicating possible acidosis or other metabolic conditions. WBC count of 1-2 cells/ml, absence of protein, and a specific gravity of 1.020 are within normal limits.

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