Nursing Elites

1. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

2. When checking the intravenous (IV) site on a child, the nurse should take which action?

• A. Look at the site.
• B. Ask the child if the site hurts.
• C. Look at the site while palpating the area.
• D. Take all the tape off, assess the site, and redress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Looking at and palpating the IV site helps assess for signs of infiltration or infection, such as swelling, redness, or pain. Simply looking or asking the child may miss subtle signs, and removing all the tape unnecessarily disrupts the site.

3. Superficial palpation of the abdomen is often perceived by the child as tickling. Which measure by the nurse is most likely to minimize this sensation and promote relaxation?

• A. Palpate another area simultaneously
• B. Ask the child not to laugh or move
• C. Begin with deeper palpation and gradually progress to superficial palpation
• D. Have the child help with palpation by placing his or her hand over the palpating hand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the child to place their hand over the nurse's hand helps reduce the tickling sensation and increases the child's comfort during the examination.

4. What is the most effective way to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

• A. Use a firm mattress
• B. Place the baby on their back to sleep
• C. Keep the room warm
• D. Breastfeed exclusively

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the baby on their back to sleep. This position is the most effective way to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) according to research and recommendations from healthcare providers. Choice A, using a firm mattress, is important for infant safety but not as directly related to preventing SIDS. Keeping the room warm, as mentioned in choice C, is not recommended as it may increase the risk of SIDS. While breastfeeding has many benefits, choice D, breastfeeding exclusively is not the most effective method for preventing SIDS.

5. A young mother asks if her 9-month-old can begin drinking cow’s milk instead of formula. You explain that:

• A. Cow’s milk is easier to digest than formula
• B. Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year
• C. As long as whole milk is given and not skim milk, it is okay
• D. Cow’s milk will decrease the chance of iron deficiency anemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants under 1 year of age as it lacks essential nutrients like iron and can lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is important to continue with breast milk or formula to ensure the baby's nutritional needs are met. Choice A is incorrect as cow’s milk is not easier to digest than formula for infants. Choice C is incorrect as the type of milk, whether whole or skim, is not the primary concern at this age. Choice D is incorrect as cow’s milk can actually increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia in infants.

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