Nursing Elites

1. The practical nurse is caring for a child with suspected appendicitis. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Nausea and vomiting.
• B. Sudden relief of pain.
• C. Low-grade fever.
• D. Rebound tenderness.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sudden relief of pain in a child with suspected appendicitis should be reported immediately as it may indicate a rupture of the appendix, which is a medical emergency. Sudden relief of pain is concerning because it can be a sign of a perforated appendix, leading to peritonitis and sepsis.

2. Following a motor vehicle collision, a 3-year-old girl has a spica cast applied. Which toy is best for the nurse to offer this child?

• A. Duck that squeaks.
• B. Fashion doll and clothes.
• C. Set of cloth and hand puppets.
• D. Handheld video game.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, a set of cloth and hand puppets is the best choice for a 3-year-old with a spica cast. Hand puppets encourage imaginative play, creativity, and interaction, which are developmentally appropriate for a child of this age. The soft materials are safe for the child and can provide entertainment and engagement without posing a risk of injury. The other options, such as a duck that squeaks, a fashion doll and clothes, and a handheld video game, may not be as suitable for a child in a spica cast due to safety concerns, lack of interactive play, or developmental appropriateness.

3. 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.

4. When assessing a 10-year-old newly diagnosed with osteomyelitis, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. Recent history of infection recurrences.
• B. Cultural heritage and beliefs.
• C. Family history of bone disorders.
• D. Increased fluid intake occurrences.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a 10-year-old with newly diagnosed osteomyelitis, the most important information for the nurse to obtain is the recent history of infection recurrences. This is crucial because osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone, and assessing for any recent recurrence of infections can help in determining the possible source of the osteomyelitis and guide the treatment plan accordingly. Choices B, C, and D are less relevant in the immediate assessment of a newly diagnosed case of osteomyelitis as they do not directly impact the current infection or treatment plan.

5. A 2-year-old child with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is being treated in the hospital. What should the healthcare provider monitor for in this child?

• A. Increased urine output.
• B. Decreased respiratory rate.
• C. Labored breathing.
• D. Improved appetite.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Labored breathing is a critical sign of worsening respiratory distress in children with RSV. It indicates that the child's condition may be deteriorating, requiring prompt intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent respiratory failure. Monitoring for labored breathing allows healthcare providers to promptly assess and manage the child's respiratory status, potentially preventing further complications associated with RSV infection.

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