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. A new parent, when asked by a nurse, explains that the 4-month-old infant has been nursing regularly every 3 to 4 hours and seems satisfied. However, the parent recently introduced solid food in the form of unbuttered popcorn to the infant as a supplement. What should be the primary nursing concern in this situation?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition, more than body requirements, related to introduction of a high-calorie food
• B. Risk for aspiration related to feeding the infant an inappropriate food
• C. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements, related to introduction of a low-nutritive food
• D. Readiness for enhanced nutrition, related to the age of the infant

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary nursing concern in this situation is the risk for aspiration. Popcorn is a choking hazard for infants, as their airway is not fully developed to handle solid foods like popcorn. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the main focus should be on the immediate risk of aspiration due to the inappropriate solid food given to the infant, rather than on nutritional imbalances or readiness for enhanced nutrition.

3. During a routine health assessment, the nurse notes that an 8-month-old infant has a significant head lag. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Recheck head control at the next visit
• B. Teach the parents appropriate exercises
• C. Schedule the child for further evaluation
• D. Refer the child for further evaluation if the anterior fontanel is still open

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Significant head lag at 8 months is concerning and warrants further evaluation, as it may indicate developmental delays or neurological issues.

4. The nurse is teaching a parent with a 2-month-old infant who has been diagnosed with colic about ways to relieve colic. Which statement by the parent indicates the need for additional teaching?

• A. I should let my infant cry for at least 30 minutes before I respond.
• B. I will swaddle my infant tightly with a soft blanket.
• C. I should massage my infant's abdomen whenever possible.
• D. I will place my infant in an upright seat after feeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Letting an infant cry for prolonged periods can exacerbate colic and increase the infant's distress. It is better to respond promptly to soothe the baby. Other methods like swaddling, gentle massage, and keeping the infant upright can help relieve colic symptoms.

5. A child has a planned hospitalization in a few weeks, and the client and family appear very stressed. Which nursing action will minimize their stress?

• A. Telling the client and family that everything will be fine
• B. Explaining how the child will benefit from the surgery
• C. Telling the client and family that the surgeon is very good
• D. Giving a tour of the hospital unit or surgical area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct nursing action to minimize the stress of the child and family is giving a tour of the hospital unit or surgical area. Familiarizing them with the hospital environment can help reduce their anxiety by allowing them to see where the child will be staying and the surroundings. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the need to reduce stress by providing a tangible way to alleviate anxiety through exposure to the hospital setting.

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