Nursing Elites

1. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia is the correct answer because it is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less common in diarrhea as sodium concentration is usually diluted by the fluid loss. Hypercalcemia (Choice C) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) can occur but is not as common as hypokalemia in this scenario.

2. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

3. Which situation denotes a nontherapeutic nurse-patient-family relationship?

• A. The nurse is planning to read a favorite fairy tale to a patient
• B. During shift report, the nurse is criticizing parents for not visiting their child
• C. The nurse is discussing with a fellow nurse the emotional draw to a certain patient
• D. The nurse is working with a family to find ways to decrease the family’s dependence on health care providers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Criticizing parents or making negative comments about their involvement is nontherapeutic and can damage the nurse-patient-family relationship.

4. The nurse is preparing to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to a child who has a fever. What nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Retake the temperature in 15 minutes after giving the Tylenol.
• B. Place a warm blanket on the child so chilling does not occur.
• C. Check to be sure the Tylenol dose does not exceed 15 mg/kg.
• D. Use cold compresses instead of Tylenol to control the fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring the dose does not exceed 15 mg/kg is critical to avoid overdose and potential liver damage. Retaking the temperature immediately or using cold compresses is not necessary, and placing a warm blanket could exacerbate the fever.

5. During a routine health assessment, the nurse notes that an 8-month-old infant has a significant head lag. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Recheck head control at the next visit
• B. Teach the parents appropriate exercises
• C. Schedule the child for further evaluation
• D. Refer the child for further evaluation if the anterior fontanel is still open

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Significant head lag at 8 months is concerning and warrants further evaluation, as it may indicate developmental delays or neurological issues.

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