Nursing Elites

1. The parent of a child hospitalized with acute glomerulonephritis asks the nurse why blood pressure readings are being taken so often. What knowledge should influence the nurse's reply?

• A. The antibiotic therapy contributes to labile blood pressure values.
• B. Hypotension leading to sudden shock can develop at any time.
• C. Acute hypertension is a concern that requires monitoring.
• D. Blood pressure fluctuations indicate that the condition has become chronic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acute hypertension is a common complication of acute glomerulonephritis, requiring frequent monitoring to prevent complications such as encephalopathy or heart failure. Blood pressure fluctuations can occur but are not necessarily indicative of chronic disease.

2. What is the recommended position for a child with epiglottitis to ease breathing?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Tripod
• D. Semi-Fowler’s

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Tripod.' In children with epiglottitis, the tripod position is recommended to help open the airway and ease breathing. This position involves the child sitting upright, leaning forward, and supporting themselves with their hands on their knees or another surface. This posture helps improve air entry into the lungs by maximizing the space for breathing. Choices A (Supine), B (Prone), and D (Semi-Fowler’s) are incorrect. Placing a child with epiglottitis in the supine position may further obstruct the airway, while the prone position and semi-Fowler’s position do not facilitate optimal air exchange in these cases.

3. What findings on physical assessment of a neonate would indicate the need for further evaluation?

• A. Nystagmus
• B. Epstein pearls
• C. Low-set ears
• D. Positive Babinski reflex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears in a neonate suggest major abnormalities and should prompt further evaluation. The correct alignment of the top of the pinnae of the ear with the outer canthus of the eye is crucial. Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, is common in newborns and often resolves on its own. Epstein pearls, small cysts on the hard palate, are insignificant and disappear over time. A positive Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to 1 year of age. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears is the most concerning finding that requires immediate attention.

4. The nurse is administering activated charcoal to a preschool child with acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning. What potential complications from the use of activated charcoal should the nurse plan to assess for?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Vomiting
• C. All are correct
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Common complications of activated charcoal administration include diarrhea and vomiting. Intestinal obstruction can occur if the charcoal forms a mass in the intestines. Fluid retention is less likely and not typically a complication associated with activated charcoal.

5. Which pediatric condition is characterized by a "string sign" on an upper GI series?

• A. Intussusception
• B. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
• C. Hirschsprung disease
• D. Meckel diverticulum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The "string sign" is associated with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a condition where the pyloric canal is narrowed, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. Intussusception (choice A) typically presents with colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Hirschsprung disease (choice C) is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon. Meckel diverticulum (choice D) is a congenital outpouching of the small intestine that can present with painless rectal bleeding.

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