Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed, as-needed antiemetic drug for a child diagnosed with cancer. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Administering the drug only if the child is nauseated.
• B. Administering the drug prophylactically before the next dose of chemotherapy.
• C. Administering the drug after the next dose of chemotherapy.
• D. Administering the drug only if the child is experiencing diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering the antiemetic prophylactically before the next dose of chemotherapy is the most appropriate action. This approach helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Waiting until the child is already nauseated, as stated in option A, is less effective as it is reactive rather than proactive. Administering the drug after chemotherapy, as in option C, may not be as beneficial in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Option D, administering the drug only if the child is experiencing diarrhea, is not relevant to the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea.

2. What dietary modification is recommended for a child with cystic fibrosis?

• A. High carbohydrate
• B. Low protein
• C. High calorie
• D. Low fat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A high-calorie diet is recommended for children with cystic fibrosis due to their increased energy needs and malabsorption issues. Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas, leading to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, which requires dietary adjustments to maintain adequate nutrition. High carbohydrate (Choice A) is not the primary focus; the emphasis is on overall calorie intake. Low protein (Choice B) is not recommended as protein intake is essential for growth and development. Low fat (Choice D) is not the best option as fat-soluble vitamin absorption is already compromised in cystic fibrosis, hence fat restriction is not a priority.

3. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

4. The nurse is interviewing the father of a 10-month-old girl. The child is playing on the floor when she notices an electrical outlet and reaches up to touch it. Her father says no firmly and moves her away from the outlet. The nurse should use this opportunity to teach the father what?

• A. That the child should be given a time-out
• B. That the child is old enough to understand the word no
• C. That the child will learn safety issues better if she is spanked
• D. That the child should already know that electrical outlets are dangerous

Correct answer: B

Rationale: At 10 months, children are beginning to understand simple commands like "no." It is important for parents to reinforce this understanding consistently to help the child learn about boundaries and safety.

5. Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough in children?

• A. Asthma
• B. Bronchiolitis
• C. Croup
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. It is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, typically worse at night, caused by the inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea. Asthma (Choice A) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath rather than a barking cough. Bronchiolitis (Choice B) commonly causes wheezing and respiratory distress in infants and young children. Pneumonia (Choice D) often presents with symptoms like fever, productive cough, and chest pain, but not typically a barking cough.

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