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 finding suggests fluid volume deficit in an infant presenting with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. A sunken fontanel
• C. Decreased pulse rate
• D. Low urine specific gravity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants, indicating a fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, the fontanel sinks due to decreased fluid volume in the body. Increased blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Decreased pulse rate (Choice C) is not a common finding in fluid volume deficit, as the body tries to increase the heart rate to compensate for decreased volume. Low urine specific gravity (Choice D) may be seen in dehydration, but it is not as specific or as easily observable as a sunken fontanel.

3. The nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. Which treatment measure should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Barium Enema
• B. Surgical removal of the affected section of bowel
• C. High-fiber diet
• D. Permanent colostomy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition where a portion of the large intestine lacks nerve cells, leading to difficulties in passing stool. The definitive treatment for this condition is the surgical removal of the affected section of the bowel. Barium enema (Choice A) may be used for diagnosis but is not a treatment. A high-fiber diet (Choice C) is not effective in managing Hirschsprung's disease. A permanent colostomy (Choice D) is not the initial treatment for this condition in infants.

4. Using knowledge of child development, what approach is best when preparing a toddler for a procedure?

• A. Avoid asking the child to make choices.
• B. Plan for a teaching session to last about 20 minutes.
• C. Demonstrate on a doll how the procedure will be done.
• D. Show the necessary equipment without allowing child to handle it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Demonstrating on a doll helps the toddler understand what will happen in a non-threatening way, making the procedure less intimidating. Long teaching sessions or avoiding choices can increase anxiety.

5. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

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