Nursing Elites

1. The nurse notes that a child has lost 3.6 kg (8 lb) after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. What is the most likely cause of this weight loss?

• A. Poor appetite
• B. Reduction of edema
• C. Restriction to bed rest
• D. Increased potassium intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The weight loss is most likely due to the reduction of edema, as glomerulonephritis often causes fluid retention that resolves with treatment, leading to significant weight loss.

2. After 8 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, Chris will soon be discharged. His parents seem apprehensive and worry that he may still be in danger. What is this considered by the nurse?

• A. A common parental reaction
• B. Suggestive of maladaptation
• C. A reason to postpone discharge
• D. Suggestive of inadequate bonding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parents become apprehensive and worried as the time for discharge approaches, which is a common parental reaction. They often have concerns and insecurities about caring for their infant. The worry about potential dangers is a normal adaptive response reflecting the parents' concern for their child's well-being. It is essential for healthcare providers to acknowledge these feelings and support parents in gaining confidence in caring for their infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parents' apprehension in this context is a typical emotional response and not indicative of maladaptation, a reason to postpone discharge, or inadequate bonding.

3. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

4. When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Sudden relief from pain
• D. Decreased abdominal distention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, sudden relief from pain is a critical sign that could indicate perforation of the appendix. Perforation results in the release of pressure and inflammation, leading to a temporary relief of pain. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and decreased abdominal distention are symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis itself, not perforation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically a direct manifestation of appendicitis or its complications.

5. A child diagnosed with aplastic anemia is admitted to the hospital. The parents ask the nurse what aplastic anemia is. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

• A. Aplastic anemia causes a proliferation of white blood cells.
• B. Aplastic anemia is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells.
• C. Aplastic anemia is caused by the bone marrow producing inadequate cells.
• D. Aplastic anemia is a disorder that occurs after a viral illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to pancytopenia. This can result in fatigue, infections, and bleeding tendencies. It is not characterized by abnormal red blood cell shapes, but rather by a reduction in the production of blood cells. Therefore, the accurate response is that aplastic anemia is caused by the bone marrow producing inadequate cells. Choices A and B are incorrect as aplastic anemia does not cause a proliferation of white blood cells or involve abnormally shaped red blood cells. Choice D is incorrect as aplastic anemia is not typically a disorder that occurs after a viral illness.

Similar Questions