Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old boy whose parents brought him to the clinic when they noticed that the right side of his abdomen was swollen. What finding would suggest this child has a neuroblastoma?

• A. The child has a maculopapular rash on his palms.
• B. The parents report that their son is vomiting and not eating well.
• C. The parents report that their son is irritable and not gaining weight.
• D. Auscultation reveals wheezing with diminished lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vomiting and poor appetite are common symptoms of neuroblastoma, a malignancy that arises from neural crest cells in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system. This tumor can cause abdominal swelling due to its location and size, leading to symptoms like vomiting and decreased appetite. The presence of a maculopapular rash on the palms (Choice A) is not a typical finding associated with neuroblastoma. Irritability and failure to thrive (Choice C) are nonspecific symptoms that can be seen in various conditions but are not specifically indicative of neuroblastoma. Auscultation revealing wheezing with diminished lung sounds (Choice D) may suggest respiratory conditions rather than neuroblastoma.

2. When teaching a class about trisomy 21, the instructor would identify the cause of this disorder as:

• A. nondisjunction.
• B. X-linked recessive inheritance.
• C. genomic imprinting.
• D. autosomal dominant inheritance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is caused by nondisjunction, which is an error in cell division that leads to the presence of an extra chromosome 21. This additional chromosome alters the normal genetic makeup, resulting in the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Therefore, the correct answer is nondisjunction (Choice A). Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Trisomy 21 is not caused by X-linked recessive inheritance, genomic imprinting, or autosomal dominant inheritance. Understanding the specific genetic mechanism involved in Trisomy 21 is crucial for grasping the basis of this chromosomal disorder.

3. An infant is diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease. What nursing intervention is essential before surgery?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Ensuring bowel rest
• C. Performing regular enemas
• D. Maintaining NPO status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention essential before surgery for an infant with Hirschsprung disease is maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This is important to prevent aspiration during and after the surgical procedure. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) may be necessary in some cases but is not the priority intervention before surgery. Ensuring bowel rest (Choice B) is not directly related to preparing for surgery and may not be the most critical intervention. Performing regular enemas (Choice C) is not recommended before surgery for Hirschsprung disease as it can aggravate the condition.

4. The nurse is caring for an infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which clinical manifestation would indicate pyloric stenosis?

• A. abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation
• B. rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds
• C. visible peristalsis and weight loss
• D. distention of the lower abdomen and constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Visible peristalsis and weight loss are classic clinical manifestations of pyloric stenosis. The obstruction at the pyloric sphincter causes visible peristalsis as the stomach tries to push food through the narrowed opening, leading to the appearance of waves across the abdomen. Weight loss occurs due to poor feeding and frequent vomiting associated with pyloric stenosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation, rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds, as well as distention of the lower abdomen and constipation are not typically seen in pyloric stenosis.

5. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, a healthcare professional decides to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the healthcare provider. Below what apical pulse did the healthcare professional withhold the medication?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is an indicator to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that affects the heart, and in pediatric patients, monitoring the pulse rate is crucial due to the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a potential side effect. In this case, an apical pulse of 90 beats/min or lower indicates a heart rate that may be too slow for a child of this age, warranting the withholding of digoxin and prompt notification of the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are not within the critical range specified for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child and would not necessitate withholding the medication.

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