Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

2. An infant weighed 8 lb at birth and was 18 inches in length. What weight and length should the infant be at 5 months of age?

• A. 12 lb, 20 inches
• B. 14 lb, 21.5 inches
• C. 16 lb, 23 inches
• D. 18 lb, 24.5 inches

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By 5 months, an infant's weight should typically double from birth, and length should increase by approximately 50%.

3. What is the recommended position for a child after a tonsillectomy?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Side-lying
• D. Fowler's position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Side-lying. The side-lying position is recommended after a tonsillectomy to facilitate drainage of secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration. This position helps prevent blood from pooling in the back of the throat, decreasing the chance of bleeding postoperatively. Supine (lying face up), while commonly used in other situations, may not be ideal immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from blood clots. Prone (lying face down) is not recommended as it can hinder breathing and increase the risk of complications. Fowler's position (semi-sitting) is also not typically used after a tonsillectomy because it may cause discomfort and hinder proper drainage.

4. The parents of a 2-year-old boy who had a repair of exstrophy of the bladder at birth ask when they can begin toilet training their son. The nurse replies based on what knowledge?

• A. Most boys in the United States can be toilet trained at age 3 years.
• B. Training can begin when he has sufficient bladder capacity.
• C. Additional surgery may be necessary to achieve continence.
• D. They should begin now because he will require additional time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Toilet training should begin when the child has sufficient bladder capacity and control, which may be delayed in children who have undergone surgical repairs for conditions like bladder exstrophy. Premature training can lead to frustration and setbacks.

5. An infant is suspected of having esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula. While waiting for the pediatrician to see the infant, which action should the nurse take?

• A. Position the infant with the head of the bed slightly elevated
• B. Allow the infant to bond with the mother in her room
• C. Offer the infant breastfeeding instead of formula feeding
• D. Wrap the infant in blankets and place in a crib by the viewing window

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Positioning the infant with the head of the bed elevated helps to prevent aspiration and manage secretions until further treatment can be provided. Choice B is incorrect as the priority is ensuring the infant's safety and health, not immediate bonding. Choice C is incorrect as breastfeeding may worsen the condition. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of aspiration associated with esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula.

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