Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old girl with a history of tuberculosis at age 6 years. She has been losing weight and has no appetite. The nurse suspects Addison disease based on which assessment findings?

• A. Arrested height and increased weight
• B. Thin, fragile skin and multiple bruises
• C. Hyperpigmentation and hypotension
• D. Blurred vision and enuresis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperpigmentation and hypotension. These findings are classic signs of Addison disease, caused by adrenal insufficiency. Hyperpigmentation results from increased ACTH stimulating melanin production, and hypotension occurs due to mineralocorticoid deficiency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Arrested height and increased weight are not typical of Addison disease. Thin, fragile skin and multiple bruises are seen in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, not Addison disease. Blurred vision and enuresis are not characteristic symptoms of Addison disease.

2. When working with a couple at risk of bearing a child with a genetic abnormality, what is most important for the nurse to incorporate into the plan of care?

• A. Gathering information from at least three generations
• B. Informing the couple of the need for a wide range of information
• C. Maintaining the confidentiality of the information
• D. Presenting the information in a nondirective manner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When counseling a couple at risk of genetic abnormalities, it is crucial to present information in a nondirective manner. This approach allows the couple to make informed decisions without feeling pressured or influenced. Gathering information from at least three generations (Choice A) may be relevant for genetic counseling but is not the most critical aspect in this scenario. Informing the couple of the need for a wide range of information (Choice B) is too general and does not address the specific approach needed in this situation. Maintaining the confidentiality of the information (Choice C) is important but not the top priority compared to presenting information in a nondirective manner.

3. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.

4. When caring for a child diagnosed with asthma, what is an important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Encouraging physical activity
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma as it helps to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier for the child. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases, so it is not recommended as a primary intervention. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important in assessing respiratory status, but administering bronchodilators would take precedence in this situation. Providing nutritional support is a general nursing intervention and not specific to managing asthma symptoms.

5. A nurse is discussing the care of an infant with colic with the parents. What should the nurse explain is the cause of colicky behavior?

• A. Inadequate peristalsis
• B. Paroxysmal abdominal pain
• C. An allergic response to certain proteins in milk
• D. A protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Paroxysmal abdominal pain. Colic in infants is characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, leading to excessive crying and fussiness. It is not caused by inadequate peristalsis (Choice A), an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), or a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins (Choice D). Understanding that colic is primarily associated with abdominal pain helps healthcare providers provide appropriate care and support to parents dealing with colicky infants.

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