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. A child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Encouraging a diet high in protein
• B. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• C. Applying heat to affected joints
• D. Providing range-of-motion exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of JIA to help alleviate symptoms. While encouraging a diet high in protein, applying heat to affected joints, and providing range-of-motion exercises are essential components of care, addressing pain and inflammation with NSAIDs is the priority intervention. This is because controlling pain and inflammation is crucial in improving the child's comfort and quality of life, which takes precedence over other supportive measures.

3. The nurse notes that a child has lost 8 pounds after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. This is most likely the result of

• A. poor appetite
• B. increased potassium intake
• C. reduction of edema
• D. restriction to bed rest

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: reduction of edema. In acute glomerulonephritis, weight loss is often a result of the reduction of edema. Acute glomerulonephritis causes fluid retention and edema due to kidney inflammation. As the inflammation resolves with treatment, the kidneys can excrete excess fluid, leading to weight loss. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Poor appetite, increased potassium intake, and restriction to bed rest are not typically the primary reasons for weight loss in acute glomerulonephritis.

4. The parents of an infant ask the nurse why their baby is scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine rather than the oral vaccine. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular vaccine because it is safer.
• B. The consensus is that either can be used, since both produce the same results and are equally safe.
• C. The oral vaccine is more expensive, so the intramuscular vaccine is preferred unless it is contraindicated.
• D. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intramuscular vaccine unless the infant or a family member is immunocompromised.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine because it has a better safety profile compared to the oral vaccine. Choice B is incorrect because the AAP specifically recommends the intramuscular vaccine over the oral vaccine. Choice C is incorrect as cost is not the primary reason for preferring the intramuscular vaccine. Choice D is incorrect as the recommendation is based on safety rather than the immunocompromised status of the infant or family members.

5. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the healthcare provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medication is not necessary. It should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing accounts for individual variations in drug metabolism and distribution, ensuring a more precise and safer medication administration. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the importance of weight-based dosing in children, potentially leading to inappropriate dosing and safety concerns.

Similar Questions