Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider if a child presents with suspected meningitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics immediately
• B. Perform a lumbar puncture
• C. Isolate the child
• D. Obtain a complete blood count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.

2. The nurse is teaching parents about the types of behaviors children exhibit when living with chronic violence. Which statement made by the parents indicates further teaching is needed?

• A. "We should watch for aggressive play."
• B. "Our child may show lasting symptoms of stress."
• C. "We know that our child will show caring behaviors."
• D. "Our child may have difficulty concentrating in school."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Children exposed to chronic violence may struggle with stress and concentration but are less likely to consistently exhibit caring behaviors without intervention and support.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient from a culture unfamiliar to the local area. The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with the family is to:

• A. Explain that the child must now be cared for differently
• B. Speak in the language most used by the staff and encourage the family to learn it
• C. Be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs
• D. Insist that the family changes their beliefs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with a family from an unfamiliar culture is to be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs. This approach demonstrates cultural competence by honoring and valuing the family's beliefs and practices. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the family's cultural practices without understanding them. Choice B is not the best approach as it focuses on language rather than respecting beliefs. Choice D is inappropriate as it goes against the principles of cultural competence by imposing beliefs on the family.

4. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Slow respirations
• C. Warm, flushed skin
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

5. The nurse is preparing to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to a child who has a fever. What nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Retake the temperature in 15 minutes after giving the Tylenol.
• B. Place a warm blanket on the child so chilling does not occur.
• C. Check to be sure the Tylenol dose does not exceed 15 mg/kg.
• D. Use cold compresses instead of Tylenol to control the fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring the dose does not exceed 15 mg/kg is critical to avoid overdose and potential liver damage. Retaking the temperature immediately or using cold compresses is not necessary, and placing a warm blanket could exacerbate the fever.

Similar Questions