Nursing Elites

1. When assessing an infant with intussusception, what type of stool would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Soft, seedy stool
• B. Currant-jelly stool
• C. Ribbon-like stool
• D. Soft and pasty stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Currant-jelly stool. This type of stool, which is red and mucous-like, is a classic sign of intussusception in infants. Choice A (Soft, seedy stool) is incorrect as it does not specifically describe the characteristic stool associated with intussusception. Choice C (Ribbon-like stool) is incorrect; ribbon-like stool may be seen in conditions like colon cancer, not intussusception. Choice D (Soft and pasty stool) is also incorrect as it does not match the typical stool finding in intussusception.

2. An infant weighed 8 lb at birth and was 18 inches in length. What weight and length should the infant be at 5 months of age?

• A. 12 lb, 20 inches
• B. 14 lb, 21.5 inches
• C. 16 lb, 23 inches
• D. 18 lb, 24.5 inches

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By 5 months, an infant's weight should typically double from birth, and length should increase by approximately 50%.

3. What is the most appropriate action for a child with epistaxis?

• A. Have the child lie flat
• B. Pinch the nose and lean forward
• C. Apply a warm compress to the nose
• D. Encourage deep breathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action for a child with epistaxis is to pinch the nose and lean forward. This technique helps stop the bleeding and prevent aspiration of blood. By applying pressure to the bleeding vessels and allowing the blood to drain out of the nostrils instead of being swallowed, the risk of nausea and airway obstruction is reduced. Having the child lie flat (Choice A) may lead to blood flowing down the throat, causing potential choking. Applying a warm compress (Choice C) is not typically recommended for epistaxis as cold compresses are more effective. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is not directly related to managing epistaxis.

4. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

5. 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.

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