Nursing Elites

1. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

2. What are general guidelines when assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion?

• A. Examining the child in the parent's arms
• B. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first
• C. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen
• D. Separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is important to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach helps reduce the child's anxiety, provides comfort, and can facilitate a more accurate assessment. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first (choice B) may cause discomfort and increase anxiety in the child. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (choice C) without considering the child's comfort and security may lead to resistance and inaccurate assessment. Separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination (choice D) can further increase anxiety and hinder the assessment process. Therefore, examining the child in the parent's arms (choice A) is the most appropriate and effective approach in this scenario.

3. When assessing a child with suspected bacterial meningitis, what clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Photophobia
• B. High fever
• C. Rash
• D. Nasal congestion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: High fever. In bacterial meningitis, a high fever is a common clinical manifestation due to the body's inflammatory response to the infection. While photophobia (choice A) is also a common symptom in meningitis, it is not as specific as a high fever. Rash (choice C) is more commonly associated with viral infections or other conditions, rather than bacterial meningitis. Nasal congestion (choice D) is not a typical clinical manifestation of bacterial meningitis and is more commonly seen in respiratory infections. Therefore, when assessing a child with suspected bacterial meningitis, the nurse is most likely to observe a high fever as a key clinical manifestation.

4. What would a healthcare professional expect to find when assessing the skin of a child with cellulitis?

• A. Red, raised hair follicles
• B. Warmth at skin disruption site
• C. Papules progressing to vesicles
• D. Honey-colored exudate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cellulitis is characterized by warmth at the site of skin disruption, indicating an infection. The correct answer is choice B. Choice A, 'Red, raised hair follicles,' is more indicative of folliculitis rather than cellulitis. Choice C, 'Papules progressing to vesicles,' is more characteristic of conditions like chickenpox, not cellulitis. Choice D, 'Honey-colored exudate,' is typical of wound infections with bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, not cellulitis.

5. After a discussion with the health care provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
• B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
• C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
• D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.' Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which normally closes after birth. Choices A, B, and C describe different cardiac conditions and do not accurately define PDA. Choice A is incorrect because PDA does not involve the diameter of the aorta being enlarged. Choice B is incorrect because PDA does not involve the wall between the right and left ventricles being open. Choice C is incorrect because PDA is not a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.

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