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. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

3. What is a common sign of moderate dehydration in children?

• A. Dry mucous membranes
• B. Normal capillary refill
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of moderate dehydration in children, indicating a loss of bodily fluids. When a child is moderately dehydrated, the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose may appear dry. This condition can occur due to various factors such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Normal capillary refill (choice B) is not typically associated with dehydration; it is a measure of circulatory status. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice C) can be present in conditions like gastroenteritis but are not specific to dehydration. Edema (choice D) is the retention of fluid in the body and is not a typical sign of dehydration.

4. What should the nurse include in the discharge instructions for the parents of an infant diagnosed with acute otitis media?

• A. Keep the baby in an elevated position during sleep
• B. Administer an antibiotic
• C. Place the baby to sleep with a bottle
• D. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve discomfort

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is recommended to help relieve the discomfort associated with acute otitis media, such as pain and fever. Elevating the baby's head during sleep can also help with drainage and relieve pressure, making choice A incorrect. Administering an antibiotic may be necessary for bacterial otitis media but is not usually the first-line treatment for acute otitis media, so choice B is incorrect. Placing the baby to sleep with a bottle can increase the risk of ear infections due to the pooling of milk around the Eustachian tube, so choice C is incorrect.

5. What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?

• A. Pyloric stenosis
• B. Intussusception
• C. Hirschsprung disease
• D. Celiac disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.

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