Nursing Elites

1. What is important to include in discharge instructions for parents of a child who has had a tonsillectomy?

• A. Encourage the child to gargle with salt water
• B. Encourage fluid intake
• C. Provide the child with hard candy
• D. Apply heat to the neck

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging fluid intake is essential in the discharge instructions for a child who has had a tonsillectomy. It helps keep the throat moist, aids in preventing dehydration, and promotes healing. Gargling with salt water is not typically recommended after a tonsillectomy as it may irritate the surgical site. Providing the child with hard candy is not advisable as it can irritate the throat and potentially cause harm. Applying heat to the neck is also not recommended post-tonsillectomy as it can increase swelling and discomfort in the surgical area.

2. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Monitoring fluid intake
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering pain medication is the most crucial nursing intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Pain management is a priority to alleviate the patient's discomfort and improve outcomes. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the priority during a crisis situation. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

3. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for:

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, seizures are a significant concern. Febrile seizures can occur in children with high fevers and may lead to further complications. It is crucial to monitor for seizures and be prepared to manage them promptly. Vomiting, combativeness, and respiratory distress are also important considerations in pediatric patients; however, given the clinical presentation described, seizures take priority as they are a common complication in this scenario.

4. What explanation should be given to a parent about the purpose of a tetanus toxoid injection for their child?

• A. Passive immunity is conferred for life.
• B. Long-lasting active immunity is conferred.
• C. Lifelong active natural immunity is conferred.
• D. Passive natural immunity is conferred temporarily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Long-lasting active immunity is conferred.' Tetanus toxoid injection provides long-lasting active immunity by stimulating the body to produce its own antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because tetanus toxoid injection does not provide passive immunity. Choice C is incorrect because the immunity conferred by the vaccine is not natural but artificially induced. Choice D is incorrect as the immunity provided by the tetanus toxoid injection is active, not passive.

5. After a discussion with the healthcare provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
• B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
• C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
• D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. In a fetus, the ductus arteriosus is a normal connection between these two vessels, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. However, it should close shortly after birth. When it remains open (patent), it leads to PDA. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately describe PDA. Choice A describes an enlarged aorta, choice B describes a ventricular septal defect, and choice C describes pulmonary stenosis, which are different cardiac conditions.

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