Nursing Elites

1. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child with an acute sickle cell pain crisis?

• A. Meperidine (Demerol)
• B. Morphine
• C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• D. Ibuprofen (Motrin)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of acute sickle cell pain crisis in children, morphine is the preferred medication due to its effectiveness in providing pain relief. Meperidine (Demerol) is less commonly used in this scenario because of its potential for neurotoxicity with repeated doses. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) are not typically sufficient for managing the severe pain associated with sickle cell crises and are not the first-line treatment options.

2. Which nursing action is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child?

• A. Providing brochures regarding sexuality
• B. Giving clear instructions about details of treatment
• C. Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure
• D. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child. Allowing the child to familiarize themselves with the equipment helps reduce fear and anxiety about the upcoming procedure. Choices A, B, and D are not as appropriate for a school-age child. Providing brochures regarding sexuality is not developmentally appropriate for this age group. Giving clear instructions about treatment details may overwhelm a child of this age. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure is more suitable for younger children.

3. The nurse is preparing to admit a 10-year-old child with appendicitis. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Fever
• B. Vomiting
• C. Tachycardia
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! Typical signs of appendicitis include fever, vomiting, and tachycardia due to infection and inflammation. These clinical manifestations are commonly observed in patients with appendicitis. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with appendicitis, so they are not expected findings in this situation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.'

4. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

5. A newborn has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. The parent asks the nurse about the symptoms that led to the diagnosis. Which symptoms should the nurse include in the response?

• A. Acute diarrhea and dehydration
• B. Current jelly-like stools and pain
• C. Failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension
• D. Projectile vomiting and altered electrolytes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension. Hirschsprung’s disease is commonly diagnosed in newborns due to the failure to pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours after birth and abdominal distension, indicating a bowel obstruction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not correspond to the typical symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease. Acute diarrhea and dehydration, current jelly-like stools and pain, and projectile vomiting with altered electrolytes are not characteristic of this condition.

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