Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for an infant who was born 24 hr ago to a mother who received no prenatal care. The infant is a poor feeder but sucks avidly on his hands. Clinical manifestations also include hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, and a high-pitched shrill cry. What does the nurse consider as a possible diagnosis for this infant?

• A. Seizure disorder
• B. Narcotic withdrawal
• C. Placental insufficiency
• D. Meconium aspiration syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the infant's symptoms are consistent with narcotic withdrawal. Infants exposed to drugs in utero may display withdrawal symptoms starting around 12 to 24 hours post-birth. The presentation often includes hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, high-pitched shrill cry, poor feeding, and sucking avidly on hands. Signs such as loose stools, tachycardia, fever, projectile vomiting, sneezing, and generalized sweating are common. These symptoms are not indicative of a seizure disorder. Placental insufficiency typically leads to a small-for-gestational-age child, which is not mentioned in the scenario. Meconium aspiration syndrome primarily presents with respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in this case.

2. During the nurse’s initial assessment of a school-age child, the child reports a pain level of 6 out of 10. The child is lying quietly in bed watching television. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Reassess the child in 15 minutes to see if the pain rating has changed
• B. Administer the prescribed analgesic
• C. Do nothing since the child appears to be resting
• D. Ask the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain management should be based on the child’s report of pain, regardless of their activity level. Administering the prescribed analgesic is the appropriate action. Reassessing the child in 15 minutes without providing immediate pain relief may not be in the child's best interest. Doing nothing since the child appears to be resting may lead to inadequate pain management. Asking the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting does not replace the need for direct assessment and intervention by the nurse.

3. The nurse is teaching parents about the types of behaviors children exhibit when living with chronic violence. Which statement made by the parents indicates further teaching is needed?

• A. "We should watch for aggressive play."
• B. "Our child may show lasting symptoms of stress."
• C. "We know that our child will show caring behaviors."
• D. "Our child may have difficulty concentrating in school."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Children exposed to chronic violence may struggle with stress and concentration but are less likely to consistently exhibit caring behaviors without intervention and support.

4. Which drug is usually the best choice for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a child in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Codeine sulfate (Codeine)
• B. Morphine (Roxanol)
• C. Methadone (Dolophine)
• D. Meperidine (Demerol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Morphine is the drug of choice for PCA in children because of its efficacy, safety profile, and rapid onset of action for pain management.

5. What is the primary goal in the treatment of a child with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Decrease urine output
• B. Increase serum albumin
• C. Reduce proteinuria
• D. Increase blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal in treating nephrotic syndrome in children is to reduce proteinuria. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema. By reducing proteinuria, kidney damage can be minimized, and symptoms can be managed effectively. Decreasing urine output (Choice A) is not the primary goal, as it does not address the underlying issue of protein loss. Increasing serum albumin (Choice B) is a consequence of reducing proteinuria rather than the primary goal. Increasing blood pressure (Choice D) is not a goal in treating nephrotic syndrome and may even be contraindicated to prevent further kidney damage.

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