Nursing Elites

1. What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Constipation
• C. Appendicitis
• D. Irritable bowel syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.

2. The nurse is selecting a site to begin an intravenous infusion on a 2-year-old child. The superficial veins on his hand and arm are not readily visible. What intervention should increase the visibility of these veins?

• A. Gently tap over the site.
• B. Apply a cold compress to the site.
• C. Raise the extremity above the level of the body
• D. Use a rubber band as a tourniquet for 5 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gently tapping over the site helps dilate the veins and increase visibility. Applying a cold compress or raising the extremity above the body level constricts the veins, making them harder to access. Prolonged tourniquet use can cause discomfort and venous congestion.

3. You are developing a plan of care for a hospitalized child. Which age group is most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds?

• A. Adolescence
• B. Preschool age
• C. Infancy
• D. School age

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preschool-aged children often engage in magical thinking, where they may believe that illness is a punishment for misdeeds. This belief is related to their cognitive development stage, where they may attribute cause and effect in a magical or unrealistic way. Adolescents are more likely to view illness as a disruption to their sense of independence or control. Infants lack the cognitive development to associate illness with punishment for misdeeds. School-aged children typically have a more concrete understanding of illness and its causes, moving away from magical thinking.

4. What condition is often associated with severe diarrhea?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to a loss of bicarbonate, resulting in metabolic acidosis. This is a common complication of prolonged or severe diarrhea, especially in children.

5. When should the nurse instruct parents to administer a daily proton pump inhibitor to their child with gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. At bedtime
• B. With a meal
• C. Midmorning
• D. 30 minutes before breakfast

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or lansoprazole are most effective when given 30 minutes before breakfast. This timing allows the medication to inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid, providing better symptom control throughout the day. Administering the PPI at bedtime (choice A) may not be as effective as giving it before breakfast due to the timing of peak acid production during the day. Giving it with a meal (choice B) might affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Midmorning administration (choice C) is not the recommended time for optimal PPI efficacy.

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