Nursing Elites

1. Which actions by the nurse demonstrate clinical reasoning? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Considering alternative actions
• C. Using formal and informal thinking to gather data
• D. Giving deliberate thought to a patient's problem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clinical reasoning involves deliberate and thoughtful decision-making, considering alternatives, and using both formal and informal data gathering methods to provide optimum care.

2. 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.

3. A child is admitted with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which of the following should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis
• B. Observe for projectile vomiting
• C. Provide large, infrequent feedings to allow for rest
• D. Place the infant in a supine position after feeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Observe for projectile vomiting.' Projectile vomiting is a classic sign of pyloric stenosis, caused by obstruction at the pylorus. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, often occurs due to the loss of hydrochloric acid from persistent vomiting. Choice C is incorrect as frequent, small feedings are preferred to prevent overloading the stomach. Choice D is incorrect as placing the infant in an upright position after feeding can help reduce reflux.

4. 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.

5. The mother of a child with cognitive impairment calls the nurse because her son has been gagging and drooling all morning. The nurse suspects foreign body ingestion. What physiologic occurrence is most likely responsible for the presenting signs?

• A. Gastrointestinal perforation may have occurred.
• B. The object may have been aspirated.
• C. The object may be lodged in the esophagus.
• D. The object may be embedded in the stomach wall.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms of gagging and drooling suggest that the foreign object is likely lodged in the esophagus. This can cause significant discomfort and potential complications, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

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