Nursing Elites

1. What organism is a parasite that causes acute diarrhea?

• A. Shigella organisms
• B. Salmonella organisms
• C. Giardia lamblia
• D. Escherichia coli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite known to cause acute diarrhea, often through contaminated water or food. Shigella, Salmonella, and E. coli are bacterial pathogens that also cause diarrhea but are not parasites.

2. A breastfed infant is being seen in the clinic for a 6-month checkup. The mother tells the nurse that the infant recently began to suck her thumb. Which is the best nursing intervention?

• A. Reassure the mother that this is normal at this age
• B. Recommend the mother substitute a pacifier for her thumb
• C. Assess the infant for other signs of sensory deprivation
• D. Suggest the mother breastfeed the infant more often to satisfy her sucking needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thumb sucking is a normal self-soothing behavior in infants and usually does not indicate a problem. Reassuring the mother that this is normal is the appropriate response.

3. Which drug is usually the best choice for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a child in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Codeine sulfate (Codeine)
• B. Morphine (Roxanol)
• C. Methadone (Dolophine)
• D. Meperidine (Demerol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Morphine is the drug of choice for PCA in children because of its efficacy, safety profile, and rapid onset of action for pain management.

4. The nurse is teaching a parent of a 6-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) before discharge. What instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed in the crib to a 90-degree angle while the infant is sleeping.
• B. Hold the infant in the prone position after a feeding.
• C. Discontinue breastfeeding so that a formula and rice cereal mixture can be used.
• D. Prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet) should be given 30 minutes before feedings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid, helping manage GER. Holding the infant in the prone position is not recommended due to the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding should not be discontinued unless advised by a physician. Elevating the head to 90 degrees is excessive.

5. What is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cystic fibrosis?

• A. Respiratory infections
• B. Malnutrition
• C. Diabetes
• D. Liver disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Respiratory infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory system, leading to thick mucus buildup in the lungs, which predisposes these children to recurrent respiratory infections. Malnutrition and diabetes are common comorbidities in cystic fibrosis but are not the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in affected children. Liver disease can occur in cystic fibrosis but is less common than respiratory complications.

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