Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is educating a new nurse on the identification of pain in children. What does the nurse teach about physiologic measurements in children’s pain assessment?

• A. Not useful as the only indicator for pain
• B. Best indicator of pain in children of all ages
• C. Most valuable when children also report having pain
• D. Essential to determine whether a child is telling the truth about pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic manifestations of pain may vary considerably, so they do not provide a consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In chronic pain, the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. Physiologic measurements are of limited value and must be viewed in the context of a pain rating scale, behavioral assessment, and parental report. When the child reports pain on an appropriate pain scale, the appropriate interventions should be used. Therefore, physiologic measurements are not considered a reliable standalone indicator for pain in children, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because physiologic measurements alone do not serve as the best indicator of pain. Choice C is incorrect as physiologic measurements are still limited even when children report pain. Choice D is incorrect as physiologic measurements are not primarily used to determine the truthfulness of a child's pain report.

2. The nurse is teaching parents guidelines for feeding their 8-month-old infant with failure to thrive (FTT). Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will continue to use the 24-kcal/oz formula.
• B. We will be sure to follow the formula preparation instructions.
• C. We will be sure to give our infant at least 8 oz of juice every day.
• D. We will be sure to feed our infant according to the written schedule.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing 8 oz of juice daily is excessive for an 8-month-old infant and can displace other nutrient-rich foods or formulas that are necessary for growth, especially in an infant with FTT.

3. For minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), prednisone is effective when what occurs?

• A. Appetite increases and blood pressure is normal
• B. Urinary tract infection is gone and edema subsides
• C. Generalized edema subsides and blood pressure is normal
• D. Diuresis occurs as urinary protein excretion diminishes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The effectiveness of prednisone in treating MCNS is indicated by diuresis and a decrease in urinary protein excretion. Subsidence of generalized edema is also a positive sign, but the key indicator is the reduction in proteinuria, which is achieved through diuresis.

4. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child in the postoperative period. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for assessing pain intensity in a 2-year-old?

• A. Poker chip tool
• B. Oucher Scale
• C. Faces Pain Rating Scale
• D. FLACC Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The FLACC Behavioral Pain Assessment Scale is the most suitable tool for assessing pain in 2-year-old children postoperatively. It assesses pain by evaluating facial expression, leg movement, activity, cry, and consolability, making it effective for non-verbal children. The Poker chip tool is not appropriate for this age group. The Oucher Scale and Faces Pain Rating Scale are more suitable for older children who can self-report pain levels.

5. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

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