Nursing Elites

1. When picked up by a parent or the nurse, an 8-month-old infant screams and seems to be in pain. After observing this behavior, what should the nurse discuss with the parent?

• A. Accidents and the importance of preventing them
• B. Limiting the infant's playtime with other children in the family
• C. Any other behaviors that the parent may have noticed
• D. Nutrition and specific vitamins recommended for infants

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Discussing any other observed behaviors with the parent is important to identify patterns or potential issues that could be affecting the infant's well-being. By exploring additional behaviors, the nurse can gather more information to assess the infant comprehensively. This approach allows for a more holistic understanding of the infant's health status, rather than focusing solely on the observed behavior of screaming and apparent pain. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the need to explore other behaviors that may provide insights into the infant's condition and well-being.

2. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

• A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
• B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
• C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
• D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects to conserve the infant's energy by eliminating the need for sucking. This is important because sucking requires energy expenditure, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac defects. Choice A is incorrect as gavage feedings do not primarily limit the chance of vomiting. Choice B is incorrect because the speed of feeding administration is not the primary reason for using gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the main purpose of gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.

3. Which best describes a full-thickness (third-degree) burn?

• A. Erythema and pain
• B. Skin showing erythema followed by blister formation
• C. Destruction of all layers of skin evident with extension into subcutaneous tissue
• D. Destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Full-thickness burns involve the destruction of all layers of skin, extending into the subcutaneous tissue. This type of burn causes severe damage and loss of sensation due to nerve destruction. Choice A, erythema and pain, describes superficial burns (first-degree). Choice B, skin showing erythema followed by blister formation, describes partial-thickness burns (second-degree). Choice D, destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone, goes beyond the description of full-thickness burns.

4. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?

• A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide high-calorie snacks
• D. Encourage frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor liver function tests regularly. Methotrexate, commonly used in JIA, can be hepatotoxic. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early. While encouraging regular exercise (choice B) is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (choice C) is not a necessary consideration in this context and can be misleading. Encouraging frequent handwashing (choice D) is important for infection control but is not specifically related to the medication methotrexate.

5. A child is being assessed for suspected intussusception. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Currant jelly stools
• C. Abdominal distension
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation that a nurse is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception is a medical emergency where a part of the intestine folds into itself, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and the build-up of gases and fluids. While currant jelly stools (Choice B) are a classic sign of intussusception, they are typically seen in later stages of the condition and may not be present during the initial assessment. Projectile vomiting (Choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis. Constipation (Choice D) is not a typical manifestation of intussusception; the condition usually presents with severe colicky abdominal pain and possible passage of blood and mucus in stools.

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