Nursing Elites

1. What finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Smooth velvety skin
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a child with hypothyroidism, weight gain is a typical finding due to the slowed metabolism associated with the condition. This occurs because thyroid hormone levels are insufficient to regulate metabolism effectively. Choices A, B, and C are not typically associated with hypothyroidism. Nervousness is more commonly seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism, where there is an excess of thyroid hormones. Heat intolerance may be seen in hyperthyroidism as well, where the body's metabolism is increased. Smooth velvety skin is a characteristic finding in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, where there is excess cortisol production.

2. When assessing a child with suspected nephrotic syndrome, what clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Edema
• C. Hypertension
• D. Polyuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Edema is a hallmark clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased glomerular permeability leading to the loss of proteins, particularly albumin, in the urine. This results in decreased oncotic pressure, leading to fluid shifting into the interstitial spaces and causing edema. Jaundice (Choice A) is not a typical clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension (Choice C) is more commonly associated with conditions like glomerulonephritis. Polyuria (Choice D) is not a primary symptom of nephrotic syndrome; instead, patients may have reduced urine output due to fluid retention from edema.

3. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?

• A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
• B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
• C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
• D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.

4. When a child with a diagnosis of asthma is prescribed a peak flow meter, what should the nurse teach the child and parents about using this device?

• A. Use the device before taking medication
• B. Use the device during asthma attacks
• C. Record the best of three attempts
• D. Use the device after eating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to record the best of three attempts when using a peak flow meter. This method provides a more accurate measure of peak expiratory flow. Choice A is incorrect because using the device before taking medication may not reflect the actual peak flow, as medication can affect lung function. Choice B is incorrect as using the device during asthma attacks may not be feasible or safe, as the focus during an attack should be on managing symptoms rather than measuring peak flow. Choice D is incorrect because using the device after eating may not provide an accurate measurement of peak flow, as digestion can affect lung function temporarily.

5. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is admitted to the hospital with a fever. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Administering antipyretics
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Monitoring for signs of infection. When a child with leukemia presents with a fever, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor for signs of infection due to the immunocompromised state of the child. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary based on the assessment of signs of infection, but monitoring comes first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) helps to reduce fever but does not address the underlying cause. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is essential but not the priority when the child is at risk of infection.

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