Nursing Elites

1. A 10-year-old child is being discharged after being admitted for status asthmaticus. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Use a peak flow meter daily to monitor asthma control
• B. Avoid exposure to known allergens
• C. Continue taking asthma medications as prescribed
• D. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using a peak flow meter daily is crucial as it helps monitor asthma control by measuring how well the child's lungs are functioning. This monitoring can indicate when intervention is needed before symptoms worsen or become severe, allowing for timely management of asthma exacerbations.

2. A mother brings her 3-month-old infant to the clinic because the baby does not sleep through the night. Which finding is most significant in planning care for this family?

• A. The mother is a single parent and lives with her parents
• B. The mother states the baby is irritable during feedings
• C. The infant's formula has been changed twice
• D. The diaper area shows severe skin breakdown

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe skin breakdown in the diaper area is significant as it indicates a potential severe issue that needs immediate attention to prevent further complications. Skin breakdown can lead to infections and discomfort for the infant, making it a priority in planning care for this family. The other findings, such as the mother's living situation, baby's irritability during feedings, or formula changes, are important but do not pose immediate risks to the infant's health compared to severe skin breakdown.

3. A toddler with a chronic illness that requires frequent hospitalization is likely to experience which psychosocial developmental challenge?

• A. Fixation with feelings of inadequacy
• B. Interference with the development of autonomy
• C. Distortion of differentiation of self from parent
• D. Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Toddlers with chronic illnesses requiring frequent hospitalization may experience interference with the development of autonomy. This is because the need for constant medical care can restrict their independence and ability to explore and make choices, which are essential aspects of achieving autonomy according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Fixation with feelings of inadequacy (Choice A) is more commonly associated with Erikson's stage of industry vs. inferiority in middle childhood. Distortion of differentiation of self from parent (Choice C) is related to the separation-individuation phase of Mahler's theory of object relations, typically occurring in infancy. Delayed language, fine-motor, and self-care skills (Choice D) may be impacted by chronic illness but are not the primary psychosocial developmental challenge faced by toddlers in this context.

4. The nurse provides information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to the mother of a 14-year-old adolescent who came to the clinic this morning complaining of menstrual cramping. Which explanation should the nurse provide to support administering the HPV vaccine to the adolescent at this visit?

• A. Use of protective barriers during sexual activity prevents most strains of HPV infection
• B. Most adolescents are not honest about being sexually active
• C. Not all strains of HPV will be covered if given at a later date
• D. Immunity must be established to prevent future HPV infection and the risk for cervical cancer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering the HPV vaccine at this visit is essential to establish immunity against HPV, thus reducing the risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer. Vaccination is a proactive measure to protect the adolescent's health in the future. Choice A is incorrect because although protective barriers can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, the vaccine provides broader protection. Choice B is incorrect as it makes a generalization about adolescent behavior that is not relevant to vaccination. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests that delaying vaccination would not impact coverage, which is inaccurate as earlier vaccination provides broader protection against HPV strains.

5. During a routine assessment of a 3-year-old at a community health center, the healthcare professional should be alert for signs of autism spectrum disorder. Which behavior by the child should prompt further evaluation for a possible autistic spectrum disorder?

• A. Engages in odd repetitive behaviors
• B. Shows indifference to verbal stimulation
• C. Strokes the hair of a hand-held doll
• D. Has a history of temper tantrums

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Engaging in odd repetitive behaviors is a hallmark sign of autism spectrum disorder in children. These behaviors can include repetitive movements, insistence on sameness, or specific routines. Recognizing and addressing these behaviors early can help in providing appropriate interventions and support for the child.

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