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. For minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), prednisone is effective when what occurs?

• A. Appetite increases and blood pressure is normal
• B. Urinary tract infection is gone and edema subsides
• C. Generalized edema subsides and blood pressure is normal
• D. Diuresis occurs as urinary protein excretion diminishes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The effectiveness of prednisone in treating MCNS is indicated by diuresis and a decrease in urinary protein excretion. Subsidence of generalized edema is also a positive sign, but the key indicator is the reduction in proteinuria, which is achieved through diuresis.

3. In assessing sexual maturity levels, which tool would you expect to use?

• A. Denver II Developmental Screening
• B. Tanner staging
• C. Antibody testing
• D. Nursing process

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tanner staging. Tanner staging is a tool specifically used to assess sexual maturity in adolescents based on the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The Tanner scale ranges from stage 1 (prepubertal) to stage 5 (adult maturity). This tool helps healthcare providers evaluate the physical development and sexual maturation of individuals. Choice A, the Denver II Developmental Screening, is used to assess developmental milestones in children. Choice C, antibody testing, is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood. Choice D, the nursing process, is a systematic method that nurses use to deliver patient-centered care, involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

4. The charge nurse in the pediatric unit is teaching nursing students about pyloric stenosis. A student asks what causes pyloric stenosis. How should the nurse respond?

• A. One portion of the intestines invaginates or telescopes into another
• B. Hypertrophy of the circular pylorus muscle
• C. Relaxed cardiac sphincter
• D. Absent ganglion cells in the colon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pyloric stenosis is caused by the hypertrophy (thickening) of the circular muscle of the pylorus, leading to obstruction. Choice A is incorrect as it describes intussusception, not pyloric stenosis. Choice C is incorrect as a relaxed cardiac sphincter is related to gastroesophageal reflux. Choice D is incorrect as it describes Hirschsprung's disease, not pyloric stenosis.

5. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

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