Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a child with the following order: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 20 mg IV, every 6 hours. The nurse has Methylprednisolone 100 mg in 2 mL available. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

• A. 0.4 mL
• B. 0.2 mL
• C. 0.5 mL
• D. 0.6 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct dosage to administer 20 mg is 0.4 mL, calculated by dividing the dose (20 mg) by the concentration (100 mg in 2 mL). This calculation ensures the accurate administration of the prescribed medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided concentration of the medication.

2. 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.

3. When should the dressing change for a post-op pediatric patient that is expected to be very painful and frightening be performed?

• A. In the patient’s room
• B. In the treatment room
• C. After discharge when the patient is at home
• D. In the playroom

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'In the treatment room.' Performing painful procedures in the treatment room helps the child associate their own room with safety and comfort, not pain. Choice A is incorrect because performing the dressing change in the patient’s room may create a negative association with their safe space. Choice C is incorrect as it is important to ensure proper wound care and pain management before discharge. Choice D is incorrect as the playroom may not be equipped for a sterile dressing change.

4. An awake, alert 4-year-old child has just arrived at the emergency department after an ingestion of aspirin at home. The practitioner has ordered activated charcoal. The nurse administers charcoal in which manner?

• A. Giving half of the solution and then repeating the other half in 1 hour
• B. Mixing with a flavorful beverage in an opaque container with a straw
• C. Serving it in a clear plastic cup so the child can see how much has been drunk
• D. Administering it through a nasogastric tube because the child will not drink it because of the taste

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mixing activated charcoal with a flavorful beverage in an opaque container can help mask the taste and encourage the child to ingest it. Using an opaque container can prevent the child from seeing the unappealing appearance of the charcoal mixture, increasing compliance.

5. An infant, age 6 months, has six teeth. The nurse should recognize that this is what?

• A. Normal tooth eruption
• B. Delayed tooth eruption
• C. Unusual and dangerous
• D. Earlier than expected tooth eruption

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Having six teeth at 6 months is earlier than the typical tooth eruption schedule, but it is not unusual or dangerous. It is within the range of normal variations in infant development.

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