Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The caregiver is caring for a 3-year-old child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The child has had several episodes of vomiting and diarrhea over the past 24 hours. What is the caregiver's priority assessment?

• A. Monitor the child's weight
• B. Assess the child's hydration status
• C. Evaluate the child's nutritional intake
• D. Check the child's temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the child's hydration status. In children with gastroenteritis, assessing hydration status is crucial as they are at risk of dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. Monitoring hydration helps prevent complications and guides appropriate interventions to maintain the child's fluid balance. Monitoring the child's weight (Choice A) is not the priority in this situation compared to assessing hydration status. Evaluating nutritional intake (Choice C) is important but not the priority when the child is at risk of dehydration. Checking the child's temperature (Choice D) is relevant but not the priority over assessing hydration status in a child with gastroenteritis.

3. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?

• A. Encourage a variety of large portions of food at every meal.
• B. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
• C. Recommend eating the food as siblings eat at home.
• D. Restrict food brought from fast-food restaurants.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to eat any food desired and tolerated is the most appropriate intervention in this scenario. Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, which can lead to altered nutrition. Allowing the child to choose foods they desire and can tolerate can help improve their nutritional intake during this challenging time. Encouraging large portions of food at every meal (Choice A) may overwhelm the child and worsen their symptoms. Eating like siblings at home (Choice C) may not align with the child's specific needs during chemotherapy. Restricting food from fast-food restaurants (Choice D) is not necessary as long as the food choices are suitable for the child's condition and preferences.

4. The caregiver is providing discharge instructions to the parents of a 6-month-old infant who was hospitalized for bronchiolitis. Which statement by the parents indicates a correct understanding of the instructions?

• A. We should keep our baby away from people with colds
• B. We should continue giving the prescribed medication even if our baby seems better
• C. We should avoid giving solid foods to help with recovery
• D. We can place our baby to sleep on their back to help with breathing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the infant away from people with colds is crucial to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, especially for infants recently hospitalized with bronchiolitis. This precaution helps protect the baby from further illnesses and promotes recovery. The other choices are incorrect because it is important to complete the prescribed medication course even if the baby seems better to ensure the infection is fully treated (Choice B). Solid foods are usually introduced around six months of age, so avoiding them entirely may not be necessary (Choice C). Placing the baby to sleep on their back is a safe sleep practice to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) but may not directly help with breathing in the context of bronchiolitis (Choice D).

5. A 9-week-old infant is scheduled for cleft lip repair. Which information is most important for the nurse to convey to the surgeon before transporting the infant to the surgical suite?

• A. Red blood cell count of 2.3 million/mm³
• B. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds since birth
• D. Urine specific gravity is 1.011

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, which could pose risks during surgery. Anemia can affect oxygen delivery to tissues, impacting wound healing and overall surgical outcomes. The other options, such as white blood cell count, weight gain, and urine specific gravity, are less critical for immediate surgical considerations. White blood cell count is more related to infection risk postoperatively rather than immediate surgical risk. Weight gain reflects good overall growth but does not impact the immediate surgical situation. Urine specific gravity is more indicative of hydration status rather than immediate surgical risk.

Similar Questions