Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a child with a urinary tract infection who is on intravenous gentamicin (Garamycin). What interventions should the nurse plan for this child with regard to this medication? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Encourage fluids.
• B. Monitor urinary output.
• C. Monitor sodium serum levels.
• D. All above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that requires monitoring of serum peak and trough levels to avoid toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Encouraging fluids and monitoring urinary output are also crucial to minimize the risk of kidney damage.

2. What is the most important intervention in the management of a child with sickle cell crisis?

• A. Administration of iron supplements
• B. Initiation of high-calorie diet
• C. Administration of pain relief
• D. Limiting fluid intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important intervention in managing a child with sickle cell crisis is the administration of pain relief. During a sickle cell crisis, severe pain is a prominent symptom due to vaso-occlusive episodes. Effective pain management, along with adequate hydration and oxygen therapy, is crucial in treating a sickle cell crisis and preventing further complications. Choice A, the administration of iron supplements, is not the priority during a sickle cell crisis. Iron supplements are typically used to manage anemia in individuals with sickle cell disease but are not the primary intervention during a crisis. Choice B, the initiation of a high-calorie diet, is not the most critical intervention during a sickle cell crisis. While proper nutrition is important in managing sickle cell disease, it is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Hydration is essential in managing sickle cell crisis to prevent complications like dehydration and further vaso-occlusive episodes.

3. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

4. At which age should the nurse expect an infant to begin smiling in response to pleasurable stimuli?

• A. 1 month
• B. 2 months
• C. 3 months
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Infants typically begin to smile in response to pleasurable stimuli by 2 months, which is an early sign of social interaction and emotional development.

5. What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis?

• A. Rebound tenderness
• B. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding
• C. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating
• D. Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus. This type of pain is a common early sign of acute appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, choice A, is a later sign seen in the physical examination of a patient with appendicitis. Rectal bleeding, as described in choice B, is not typically associated with appendicitis. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating, as mentioned in choice C, is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease rather than appendicitis.

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