Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is providing postoperative care to a 4-year-old child who underwent tonsillectomy. The provider notices that the child is frequently swallowing. What should the provider do first?

• A. Check the child’s throat for signs of bleeding
• B. Offer the child ice chips to soothe the throat
• C. Elevate the head of the child’s bed
• D. Administer prescribed pain medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Frequent swallowing after tonsillectomy may indicate bleeding, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Checking the child’s throat for signs of bleeding is the priority to ensure timely identification and management of any potential bleeding complications.

2. What information should the practical nurse ensure the family understands about caring for a child with a tracheostomy?

• A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• B. Hygiene practices, including showering.
• C. Proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning.
• D. Application of powder around the stoma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is essential for families to be educated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to manage emergencies involving patients with tracheostomies. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for the child's safety and well-being. Choice B, hygiene practices, although important, is not as critical as CPR in managing a tracheostomy. Choice C, the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning, is also crucial but does not take precedence over CPR in emergency situations. Choice D, application of powder around the stoma, is not a standard practice and may not be necessary for tracheostomy care.

3. An adolescent female who is leaning forward with her hands on her knees to breathe tells the practical nurse that she has been using triamcinolone (Azmacort) inhalation aerosol before coming to the clinic. Which action should the PN implement?

• A. Obtain vital signs and assess breath sounds for wheezing.
• B. Collect a blood sample for white blood cell count.
• C. Give the client a nebulizer breathing treatment.
• D. Administer another dose of Azmacort.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient presents with breathing difficulties, the first action should be to assess vital signs and breath sounds to evaluate the severity of the condition. This assessment will provide crucial information to determine the appropriate course of action and treatment. Collecting a blood sample for a white blood cell count, giving a nebulizer treatment, or administering another dose of Azmacort would not be the initial priority in this situation. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it focuses on assessing the patient's respiratory status to guide further interventions.

4. A 2-week-old female infant is hospitalized for the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia. After returning to the postoperative neonatal unit, her RR and HR have increased during the last hour. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider of these findings
• B. Administer a PRN analgesic as prescribed
• C. Document the findings in the infant's medical record
• D. Comfort the infant by swaddling and gently rocking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a postoperative neonatal setting, an increase in respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) in an infant could indicate pain or distress. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the infant's condition and provide appropriate interventions. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider ensures timely evaluation and management of the infant's discomfort or distress, promoting optimal postoperative recovery and comfort. Administering analgesics without healthcare provider assessment could mask underlying issues, documenting findings alone does not address the immediate need for intervention, and comforting may not resolve the underlying cause of increased RR and HR.

5. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider identify as most concerning in a child with acute glomerulonephritis?

• A. Hypertension.
• B. Gross hematuria.
• C. Proteinuria.
• D. Periorbital edema.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a child with acute glomerulonephritis, hypertension is the most concerning assessment finding as it can indicate worsening renal function. Hypertension is a common complication of glomerulonephritis and can lead to further kidney damage if not managed promptly. Monitoring and controlling blood pressure is crucial in these cases to prevent complications and preserve renal function. Gross hematuria, proteinuria, and periorbital edema are also common findings in acute glomerulonephritis but hypertension poses a higher risk for renal damage if left uncontrolled.

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