Nursing Elites

1. The child is admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation?

• A. Place the child in the Trendelenburg position.
• B. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
• C. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort.
• D. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the child to assume a position of comfort is appropriate as it helps alleviate discomfort without the risk of complications. Placing the child in the Trendelenburg position could increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen the condition. Applying moist heat may lead to vasodilation and potential perforation in case of appendicitis. Administering a saline enema can be harmful if the appendix is inflamed or perforated.

2. What condition is often associated with severe diarrhea?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to a loss of bicarbonate, resulting in metabolic acidosis. This is a common complication of prolonged or severe diarrhea, especially in children.

3. What is the most appropriate nursing action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant?

• A. Allow formula to flow by gravity
• B. Avoid allowing the infant to suck on the tube
• C. Insert the tube through the nares instead of the mouth
• D. Apply gentle pressure to the syringe to deliver the formula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant is to allow the formula to flow by gravity. This method helps prevent overfeeding and aspiration, which can occur if the formula is delivered too quickly under pressure. Choice B is incorrect as sucking on the tube can cause complications. Choice C is incorrect as the tube is typically inserted through the mouth. Choice D is incorrect as steady pressure can lead to rapid delivery of the formula, increasing the risk of complications.

4. An intravenous line is needed in a school-age child. What medication is an appropriate analgesic for use with this patient?

• A. TAC (tetracaine, epinephrine [Adrenalin], cocaine) 15 minutes before the procedure.
• B. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch at the site of venipuncture.
• C. EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) immediately before the procedure.
• D. LMX (4% liposomal lidocaine cream) 30 minutes before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: LMX is an effective analgesic agent when applied to the skin 30 minutes before a procedure. It eliminates or reduces the pain from most procedures involving skin puncture. TAC provides skin anesthesia about 15 minutes after application to nonintact skin, making it more suitable for wound suturing. Transdermal fentanyl patches are designed for continuous pain control, not rapid pain control needed for a procedure like venipuncture. EMLA, for maximum effectiveness, must be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure, making it less suitable for immediate pain relief required for intravenous line placement.

5. Evidence-based practice (EBP), a decision-making model, is best described as which?

• A. Using information in textbooks to guide care
• B. Combining knowledge with clinical experience and intuition
• C. Using a professional code of ethics as a means for decision-making
• D. Gathering all evidence that applies to the child’s health and family situation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Evidence-based practice involves gathering and integrating all relevant evidence to guide clinical decision-making, ensuring that care is based on the best available research.

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