Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a child with a possible fracture, what would be the most reliable indicator for the nurse to identify?

• A. Lack of spontaneous movement
• B. Point tenderness
• C. Bruising
• D. Inability to bear weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Point tenderness is the most reliable indicator of a possible fracture in a child. It refers to localized pain at a specific point, indicating a potential bone injury. Lack of spontaneous movement (Choice A) is non-specific and can be due to various reasons. Bruising (Choice C) may be present in fractures but is not as specific as point tenderness. Inability to bear weight (Choice D) can also be seen in fractures but may not always be present, making it less reliable compared to point tenderness.

2. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of epilepsy about seizure precautions. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Keep a diary of seizure activity
• B. Administer antiepileptic medication only when a seizure occurs
• C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
• D. Teach seizure first aid to family members

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Teaching seizure first aid to family members is essential as it empowers them to respond effectively during a seizure. Keeping a diary of seizure activity is important for tracking patterns and triggers but is not directly related to immediate safety. Administering antiepileptic medication only when a seizure occurs is not recommended as medications should be administered as prescribed by healthcare providers. Restricting the child's activities to prevent seizures is not appropriate as children with epilepsy should be encouraged to lead active lives while taking necessary precautions.

3. When caring for a child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Encouraging physical activity
• D. Encouraging frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with cystic fibrosis is administering pancreatic enzymes. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the digestive and respiratory systems. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial in aiding digestion as patients with cystic fibrosis often have pancreatic insufficiency. While providing respiratory therapy and encouraging physical activity are important aspects of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, administering pancreatic enzymes takes precedence in addressing the malabsorption issues associated with the condition. Encouraging frequent handwashing is also essential in infection control, but it is not the priority intervention specifically related to managing cystic fibrosis.

4. The nurse is caring for a child who has been admitted for a sickle cell crisis. What would the nurse do first to provide adequate pain management?

• A. Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as ordered.
• B. Use guided imagery and therapeutic touch.
• C. Administer meperidine as ordered.
• D. Initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Initiating pain assessment with a standardized pain scale is crucial in effectively managing pain during a sickle cell crisis. This initial step helps the nurse understand the severity of the pain, which guides subsequent interventions. Administering medications, such as NSAIDs or meperidine, should only be done after a thorough pain assessment to ensure appropriate and individualized treatment. Using guided imagery and therapeutic touch may be beneficial as adjunct interventions, but they should not replace the essential first step of assessing the pain level accurately.

5. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are necessary after open-heart surgery to facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the chest cavity. These tubes help prevent complications such as pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural space) or cardiac tamponade (build-up of fluid in the pericardial sac), which can be serious postoperative issues. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because chest tubes are primarily used for draining purposes and not for increasing tidal volumes, maintaining positive intrapleural pressure, or regulating pressure on the pericardium and chest wall.

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