Nursing Elites

1. Which assessment data would cause suspicion that a 3-year-old child has Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Clay-colored stools and dark urine
• B. History of early passage of meconium in the newborn period
• C. History of chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight
• D. Continual bouts of foul-smelling diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight. These symptoms are indicative of the disorder due to the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon, leading to impaired motility and obstruction.

2. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient being started on levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) for newly diagnosed Parkinson�s disease?

• A. Take medication on a full stomach
• B. Change positions slowly
• C. The drug may cause the urine to be very dilute
• D. Carbidopa has many adverse effects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postural hypotension is common early in treatment, so the patient should be instructed to change positions slowly. Administration with meals should be avoided, if possible, because food delays the absorption of the levodopa component. If the patient is experiencing side effects of nausea and vomiting, administration with food may be considered. The levodopa component may darken urine. Carbidopa has no adverse effects of its own.

3. A child is being cared for by a nurse and has rheumatic fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Administer aspirin to the child as prescribed based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
• B. Encourage adequate fluid intake for the child.
• C. Elevate the child's joints and provide warm compresses.
• D. Monitor the child's heart rate for dysrhythmias.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rheumatic fever can lead to cardiac complications, such as dysrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the child's heart rate closely for any signs of dysrhythmias. This will help in early identification and prompt management of potential cardiac issues associated with rheumatic fever. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority actions in this scenario. While aspirin may be used in the treatment of rheumatic fever, monitoring for cardiac complications takes precedence. Encouraging fluid intake and providing warm compresses are helpful interventions but do not directly address the cardiac risks associated with rheumatic fever.

4. While caring for four different pediatric clients, which child is at the highest risk for dehydration?

• A. 7-year-old child with migraine headaches
• B. 4-year-old child with a broken arm
• C. 2-year-old child with cellulitis of the left leg
• D. 18-month-old child with tachypnea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The 18-month-old child with tachypnea is at the highest risk for dehydration due to increased insensible water loss associated with rapid breathing.

5. A caregiver is providing teaching about car seat use to the mother of a six-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the mother indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should secure the car seat using lower anchors and tethers instead of the seat belt
• B. I should position the car seat harness one inch above my baby's shoulders
• C. I will make sure that the car seat is placed at a 90-degree angle
• D. I will pad my baby's car seat with a blanket for traveling long distances

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Lower anchors and tethers, known as the LATCH child safety seat system, should be used to secure an infant's car seat in the vehicle. This system provides a safer and more secure way of installing the car seat compared to using the seat belt alone. Using the lower anchors and tethers ensures proper installation and reduces the risk of car seat movement during travel, providing optimal protection for the infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the car seat harness should be positioned at or below the baby's shoulders, not above. Choice C is incorrect because the car seat should be positioned at the correct recline angle recommended by the car seat manufacturer, which may not necessarily be 90 degrees. Choice D is incorrect because adding padding like a blanket to the car seat is not recommended as it can interfere with the proper fit and function of the car seat, potentially compromising the safety of the infant.

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