Nursing Elites

1. Which factor is most likely to cause a "brittle" diabetic state in a child with type 1 diabetes?

• A. Noncompliance with diet
• B. Insulin resistance
• C. Frequent infections
• D. Hypothyroidism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Frequent infections can destabilize blood sugar levels, leading to a "brittle" diabetic state in children with type 1 diabetes. Infections increase metabolic demands and can result in significant blood glucose fluctuations, requiring careful monitoring and adjustment of insulin therapy. Noncompliance with diet may affect blood sugar control but is not the primary cause of a "brittle" state. Insulin resistance is more common in type 2 diabetes rather than type 1. Hypothyroidism can impact metabolism but is not directly linked to the development of a "brittle" diabetic state in type 1 diabetes.

2. 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.

3. What condition is often associated with severe diarrhea?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to a loss of bicarbonate, resulting in metabolic acidosis. This is a common complication of prolonged or severe diarrhea, especially in children.

4. A child with acute glomerulonephritis is in the playroom and experiences blurred vision and a headache. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Check the urine to see if hematuria has increased.
• B. Obtain the child's blood pressure and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Obtain serum electrolytes and send urinalysis to the laboratory.
• D. Reassure the child and encourage bed rest until the headache improves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blurred vision and headache in a child with acute glomerulonephritis may indicate severe hypertension, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Blood pressure should be checked, and the healthcare provider notified.

5. The nurse is describing clinical reasoning to a group of nursing students. Which is most descriptive of clinical reasoning?

• A. Purposeful and goal-directed
• B. A simple developmental process
• C. Based on deliberate and irrational thought
• D. Assists individuals in guessing what is most appropriate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clinical reasoning is purposeful and goal-directed, involving the use of critical thinking and decision-making skills to provide effective patient care.

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