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. The nurse is caring for a child receiving chemotherapy with the following orders: Zantac 70 mg IV in normal saline 30 mL to infuse over 30 minutes. The nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour?

• A. 60 mL/hour
• B. 45 mL/hour
• C. 30 mL/hour
• D. 15 mL/hour

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 60 mL/hour. The total volume to be infused is 30 mL over 30 minutes. To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hour, divide the total volume by the total time in hours. In this case, 30 mL / 0.5 hours = 60 mL/hour. Choice B, 45 mL/hour, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the calculated infusion rate. Choices C and D, 30 mL/hour and 15 mL/hour respectively, are also incorrect based on the calculation.

3. 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.

4. The caregiver asks why the 6-month-old infant needs to have solid foods when breast milk is such a good source of nutrition. What would be the best response by the nurse?

• A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately.
• B. The extrusion reflex must be developed and feeding solid foods will help the infant to develop this reflex.
• C. Breastfeeding will become painful when the infant gets more teeth, so the infant needs to eat solid foods.
• D. By this age the infant becomes interested in trying new skills.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately. Choice B is incorrect because the extrusion reflex is related to the tongue-thrust reflex, not the nutritional needs of the infant. Choice C is incorrect as breastfeeding does not become painful when the infant gets more teeth, and it is not a reason for introducing solid foods. Choice D is incorrect as the infant's interest in trying new skills is not a primary reason for introducing solid foods at this age.

5. The presence of which pair of factors is a good predictor of a fluid deficit of at least 5% in an infant?

• A. Weight loss and decreased heart rate
• B. Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds and no tears
• C. Increased skin elasticity and sunken anterior fontanel
• D. Dry mucous membranes and generally ill appearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes and an ill appearance are good indicators of dehydration in infants, often correlating with a fluid deficit of at least 5%. Sunken fontanels and poor skin turgor are also indicative but were not options here.

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