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. A 12-year-old girl has recently begun menstruating and is well into puberty. The child is visiting the health care provider today for a routine physical examination. Which finding should cause concern in the nurse?

• A. Breasts of slightly different sizes
• B. Irregular periods
• C. Vulvar irritation
• D. Supernumerary nipple

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vulvar irritation may indicate an infection or other issues and should be further evaluated. In a pubescent girl, breasts of slightly different sizes and irregular periods are common variations of normal development. Supernumerary nipple, an extra nipple, is a benign condition that is not typically concerning during puberty.

3. In teaching the parent of a newly diagnosed 2-year-old child with pyelonephritis related to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), the nurse should include which information?

• A. Limit fluids to reduce reflux.
• B. Give cranberry juice twice a day.
• C. Have siblings examined for VUR.
• D. Surgery is indicated to reverse scarring.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Siblings should be examined for VUR as it can run in families, and early detection can prevent complications. Limiting fluids is not advisable, and cranberry juice is not effective in preventing VUR. Surgery is usually not indicated for scarring reversal.

4. A child with acute gastrointestinal bleeding is admitted to the hospital. The nurse observes which sign or symptom as an early manifestation of shock?

• A. Restlessness
• B. Rapid capillary refill
• C. Increased temperature
• D. Increased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of shock due to decreased perfusion and oxygenation to the brain. This symptom requires immediate attention to prevent the progression to more severe stages of shock. Rapid capillary refill (Choice B) is not typically an early sign of shock but rather a sign of adequate perfusion. Increased temperature (Choice C) may occur in later stages of shock due to the body's response to stress. Increased blood pressure (Choice D) is not an early sign of shock; in fact, blood pressure tends to decrease in shock as a compensatory mechanism.

5. 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.

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