Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, which medication should the practical nurse anticipate being administered first?

• A. Inhaled corticosteroids.
• B. Oral corticosteroids.
• C. Short-acting beta agonists.
• D. Leukotriene receptor antagonists.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the management of acute asthma exacerbations, the first-line medication for quick relief of bronchoconstriction is a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol. These medications help to rapidly open up the airways, providing immediate relief to the patient. Inhaled corticosteroids are more commonly used for long-term control of asthma symptoms, while oral corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists are often reserved for more severe or chronic cases. Therefore, in a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, the practical nurse should anticipate the administration of short-acting beta agonists as the initial intervention to provide quick relief and improve breathing.

2. When developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Identify what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys
• B. Assess the child's previous reactions to punishment
• C. Offer the child positive feedback
• D. Involve other children on the unit in describing the token system

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first step in developing a behavior modification program for an extremely aggressive 10-year-old boy is to identify what activities, foods, and toys the child enjoys. Understanding the child's motivations is crucial in creating an effective behavior modification plan tailored to his interests and preferences, which can help in positively reinforcing desired behaviors.

3. The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-month-old infant and notes that the FOC has increased by 5 inches since birth, and the child's head appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take next?

• A. Measure the infant's head-to-toe length.
• B. Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging.
• C. Observe the infant for sunken eyes.
• D. Plot the measurement on the infant's growth chart.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Palpating the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging is crucial in assessing for increased intracranial pressure. In this scenario, the infant's large head size and rapid increase in the frontal occipital circumference raise concerns for potential issues such as hydrocephalus. Measuring the head-to-toe length (Choice A) is not the priority when assessing for increased intracranial pressure. Observing for sunken eyes (Choice C) is more indicative of dehydration rather than increased intracranial pressure. While plotting the measurement on the infant's growth chart (Choice D) is important for tracking growth, it does not address the immediate concern of assessing for increased intracranial pressure.

4. A 2-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections is brought to the clinic by the parents who are concerned about the child’s hearing. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ask the parents about the child’s speech development
• B. Perform a hearing test
• C. Inspect the child’s ears for drainage
• D. Refer the child to an audiologist

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate initial action for the nurse to take is to inspect the child's ears for drainage. This step can provide immediate information on the presence of infection or fluid, which could be impacting the child's hearing. By assessing for drainage, the nurse can gather valuable initial data to determine the next course of action, such as further evaluation or treatment. Asking about speech development or referring to an audiologist would be secondary steps after assessing the physical condition of the ears. Performing a hearing test would also be premature without first examining the ears for any visible issues.

5. When a mother of a 3-year-old boy gives birth to a baby girl and the boy asks why his baby sister is breastfeeding from their mother, how should the nurse respond? Select the option that is not appropriate.

• A. Remind him that his mother breastfed him too
• B. Clarify that breastfeeding is the mother's choice
• C. Reassure the older brother that it does not hurt his mother
• D. Explain that newborns get milk from their mothers in this way

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is not the appropriate response in this scenario. The correct answer is choice A, which normalizes the situation for the child by reminding him that his mother breastfed him too. This response helps the older brother understand that breastfeeding is a natural and common practice for newborns, including his baby sister, just as it was for him when he was a baby. Choice B, while true, does not directly address the child's question and may not provide the same level of reassurance and normalization as choice A. Choices C and D also do not directly answer the child's question and do not provide the same level of connection and understanding as choice A.

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