Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is taking vital signs on a group of assigned preschool-aged children. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further action?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
• B. Heart rate of 89 beats per minute
• C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is high for a preschool-aged child and may indicate an underlying issue that requires further assessment. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice A) is within the normal range for preschool children. Similarly, a heart rate of 89 beats per minute (choice B) falls within the expected range. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute (choice D) is slightly elevated but may not be as concerning as a heart rate of 120 beats per minute.

2. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child with an acute sickle cell pain crisis?

• A. Meperidine (Demerol)
• B. Morphine
• C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• D. Ibuprofen (Motrin)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of acute sickle cell pain crisis in children, morphine is the preferred medication due to its effectiveness in providing pain relief. Meperidine (Demerol) is less commonly used in this scenario because of its potential for neurotoxicity with repeated doses. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) are not typically sufficient for managing the severe pain associated with sickle cell crises and are not the first-line treatment options.

3. An appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child should be to mix them with which?

• A. Bottle of formula or milk
• B. Any food the child is going to eat
• C. One teaspoon of something sweet-tasting such as jam
• D. Carbonated beverage, which is then poured over crushed ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mixing bitter medication with a small amount of something sweet, like jam, can mask the taste effectively without diluting the medication too much. Mixing with milk or formula is not recommended as the child may refuse future feedings, and carbonated beverages are not suitable for infants.

4. At which age should the nurse expect an infant to begin smiling in response to pleasurable stimuli?

• A. 1 month
• B. 2 months
• C. 3 months
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Infants typically begin to smile in response to pleasurable stimuli by 2 months, which is an early sign of social interaction and emotional development.

5. The nurse is teaching a child experiencing severe edema associated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome about his diet. The nurse should discuss what dietary need?

• A. Consuming a regular diet
• B. Increasing protein
• C. Restricting fluids
• D. Decreasing calories

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fluid restriction is often necessary to manage severe edema associated with MCNS. Increasing protein is not typically recommended due to the risk of exacerbating proteinuria, and calorie reduction is not generally needed.

Similar Questions