Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is admitting a child with severe isotonic dehydration. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate the doctor to order initially to replace fluids?

• A. 0.9% normal saline
• B. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline
• C. D5W
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of severe isotonic dehydration, the initial fluid of choice is 0.9% normal saline. This solution is preferred because it helps to restore both fluids and electrolytes effectively. Options B, C, and D are not suitable for the initial management of severe isotonic dehydration. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline (Choice B) is a hypotonic solution and might worsen the imbalance. D5W (Choice C) is a hypotonic solution that does not contain electrolytes essential for rehydration. Albumin (Choice D) is a colloid solution used for specific indications like hypoproteinemia or hypoalbuminemia, not for initial rehydration in severe dehydration.

2. An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?

• A. Wean the infant from TPN gradually
• B. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
• C. Provide additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
• D. Offer parents encouragement that the child is close to discharge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Continuous enteral feedings help stimulate the small intestine's adaptation in short bowel syndrome, promoting better nutrient absorption and eventually reducing reliance on TPN. This approach is crucial for long-term management and improving the child's prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because weaning off TPN typically occurs gradually over time, not the next day. Choice C is incorrect because TPN can be adjusted to provide necessary nutrients, and enteral feedings are mainly used to stimulate intestinal function. Choice D is incorrect as the addition of enteral feedings does not necessarily indicate imminent discharge; it primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation and reducing reliance on TPN.

3. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome to decrease proteinuria?

• A. Albumin
• B. Prednisone
• C. Penicillin
• D. Furosemide (Lasix)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prednisone, a corticosteroid, is the primary treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome as it helps to reduce inflammation in the kidneys and decrease proteinuria by stabilizing the glomerular filtration barrier. Albumin is a protein replacement therapy and would not directly decrease proteinuria. Penicillin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections and is not used to manage Nephrotic Syndrome. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps in managing fluid retention but does not specifically target proteinuria in Nephrotic Syndrome.

4. In pediatric patients, what is the primary concern with untreated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)?

• A. Recurrent UTIs
• B. Chronic renal failure
• C. Hypertension
• D. Bladder dysfunction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary concern with untreated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in pediatric patients is chronic renal failure. Untreated VUR can lead to this complication due to recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney damage. While recurrent UTIs (Choice A) are a common consequence of VUR, the ultimate worry is the development of chronic renal failure. Hypertension (Choice C) may occur as a result of renal damage but is not the primary concern. Bladder dysfunction (Choice D) is not the most significant consequence of untreated VUR in terms of long-term outcomes compared to chronic renal failure.

5. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

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