Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider plans to administer 10 mcg/kg of digoxin elixir as a loading dose to a child who weighs 55 pounds. Digoxin is available as an elixir of 50 mcg/ml. How many milliliters of the digoxin elixir should the healthcare provider administer to this child?

• A. 5 ml
• B. 10 ml
• C. 15 ml
• D. 20 ml

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the dose, first, convert the child's weight to kilograms by dividing 55 pounds by 2.2, which equals approximately 25 kg. Then, multiply the weight by the dose (10 mcg/kg) to get the total dose needed, which is 250 mcg. Next, divide the total dose by the concentration of the elixir (50 mcg/ml) to determine the volume needed, which is 5 ml. Therefore, the correct dose is 5 ml based on the child's weight and the concentration of the elixir.

2. The mother of an 11-year-old boy with juvenile arthritis tells the nurse, 'I really don’t want my son to become dependent on pain medication, so I only allow him to take it when he is really hurting.' Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this mother?

• A. Encouraging the child to rest when he experiences pain
• B. Encouraging quiet activities like watching television as a pain distractor
• C. Suggesting the use of hot baths as an alternative to pain medication
• D. Explaining that giving pain medication around the clock helps control the pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should educate the mother that giving pain medication around the clock helps maintain a consistent level of pain control, preventing severe pain episodes and improving the child's quality of life. It is essential to manage pain proactively rather than waiting for the child to be in severe pain before administering medication. Choices A, B, and C do not address the importance of proactive pain management and maintaining a consistent level of pain control. Encouraging rest, quiet activities, or hot baths as distractions or alternatives may not provide adequate pain relief for the child with juvenile arthritis, and they do not address the underlying issue of effective pain management.

3. When reinforcing information about the use of corticosteroids in treating asthma in children, which statement indicates that the parent understands the teaching?

• A. My child should take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.
• B. I will rinse my child's mouth after each use of the inhaler.
• C. I should discontinue the medication if my child seems better.
• D. Corticosteroids are used for quick relief during an asthma attack.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rinsing the mouth after using corticosteroid inhalers is crucial as it helps prevent oral thrush, a common side effect associated with these medications. This practice reduces the risk of developing fungal infections in the mouth and throat, maintaining optimal oral health during asthma treatment.

4. A child with cystic fibrosis is being discharged home with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. What information should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents?

• A. Give the enzymes after meals.
• B. Mix the enzymes with hot food or drinks.
• C. Enzymes should be taken before or with meals.
• D. Avoid giving enzymes with any food or drink.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Enzymes should be taken before or with meals.' Pancreatic enzymes should be taken before or with meals to assist with digestion in children with cystic fibrosis. This timing helps maximize the effectiveness of the enzymes in breaking down nutrients from food. Giving the enzymes after meals (choice A) may not provide the necessary support for digestion. Mixing the enzymes with hot food or drinks (choice B) is not recommended as it may affect the enzymes' efficacy. Avoiding giving enzymes with any food or drink (choice D) is incorrect as enzymes need to be taken in conjunction with meals to aid in digestion.

5. The mother of a 9-month-old girl provides the practical nurse with information about her daughter's diet. Which statement by the mother may indicate why the infant has been diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia?

• A. She almost never drinks sugary water.
• B. She has been on whole milk for 7 months.
• C. She likes to chew on bread as a snack.
• D. She doesn't like to eat peaches or pears.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Infants should not be given cow's milk before 1 year of age as it can interfere with iron absorption and lead to anemia. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding sugary water is actually a good practice. Choice C is unrelated to iron-deficiency anemia. Choice D, not liking peaches or pears, is also not directly related to iron-deficiency anemia.

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