Nursing Elites

1. Before administering a tube feeding to a child, what should the practical nurse (PN) assess?

• A. Tube placement.
• B. Bowel sounds.
• C. Abdominal circumference.
• D. Tube patency.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing tube placement is critical before initiating a tube feeding to verify its correct positioning in the stomach. This assessment helps prevent potential complications such as aspiration if the tube is incorrectly placed in the respiratory tract. Checking bowel sounds, abdominal circumference, and tube patency are important assessments in the care of a child receiving tube feedings, but ensuring proper tube placement takes precedence to ensure safe and effective delivery of nutrition.

2. A child with a fever of 39°C (102.2°F) and a sore throat is brought to the clinic. The practical nurse suspects the child has streptococcal pharyngitis. Which diagnostic test should the practical nurse prepare the child for?

• A. Rapid antigen detection test.
• B. Throat culture.
• C. Complete blood count (CBC).
• D. Chest X-ray.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A rapid antigen detection test is the appropriate diagnostic test for suspected streptococcal pharyngitis. This test is commonly used due to its quick results, helping in the prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the condition. It specifically detects the presence of streptococcal antigens in the throat, aiding in confirming the diagnosis and guiding the healthcare provider in determining the most suitable treatment plan. Throat culture (Choice B) is a confirmatory test but is not as rapid as the rapid antigen detection test. Complete blood count (Choice C) and Chest X-ray (Choice D) are not specific tests for streptococcal pharyngitis and would not aid in confirming the diagnosis.

3. What intervention should the nurse implement first for a male toddler brought to the emergency center approximately three hours after swallowing tablets from his grandmother’s bottle of digoxin (Lanoxin)?

• A. Administer activated charcoal orally
• B. Prepare gastric lavage
• C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
• D. Give IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases of digoxin toxicity, IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind) is the antidote and should be administered first to counteract the effects of digoxin poisoning. This intervention is crucial in managing digoxin overdose and should be initiated promptly to improve patient outcomes. Activated charcoal and gastric lavage are not effective in treating digoxin poisoning and may not be beneficial at this stage. While obtaining an electrocardiogram is important to assess cardiac function, administering the antidote should take precedence to address the immediate life-threatening effects of digoxin toxicity.

4. The practical nurse is providing care for a toddler who has just returned from surgery for a tonsillectomy. Which intervention is a priority in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Offer clear fluids frequently.
• B. Encourage the child to cough and deep breathe.
• C. Monitor for frequent swallowing.
• D. Apply a warm compress to the throat area.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring for frequent swallowing is a priority intervention in the immediate postoperative period after a tonsillectomy. Frequent swallowing may indicate bleeding from the surgical site, which requires immediate attention to prevent complications such as hemorrhage. Offering clear fluids frequently may not be appropriate immediately after surgery. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing may increase the risk of bleeding. Applying a warm compress to the throat area is not recommended as it can increase blood flow to the surgical site, potentially causing bleeding.

5. 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.

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