Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a sign of altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Fear of the EMT's presence.
• B. Recognition of the parents.
• C. Inattention to the EMT's presence.
• D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inattention to the EMT's presence is a sign of altered mental status in a small child. When a child is not responsive or does not acknowledge the presence of the EMT, it could indicate a change in their mental status. This lack of attention or awareness may signify a neurological issue or other medical condition affecting the child's cognitive function.

2. In counseling the parents of a child with hypopituitarism, Nurse Gyimah is asked about their child's condition. Which of the following phrases, if stated by the nurse, best describes the condition?

• A. Linear growth retardation with skeletal proportions normal for chronologic age
• B. A complete normal growth pattern, but with the onset of precocious puberty
• C. Normal growth for the first five years, followed by progressive linear growth retardation
• D. Growth retardation in which height and weight are equally affected

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypopituitarism is characterized by linear growth retardation with skeletal proportions normal for chronologic age. This means that although the child experiences growth retardation, their skeletal proportions are appropriate for their age, which distinguishes it from other conditions like precocious puberty or equal height and weight affectation. Choice B is incorrect as hypopituitarism does not involve precocious puberty. Choice C is wrong as it describes a different growth pattern not typical of hypopituitarism. Choice D is also incorrect as in hypopituitarism, height and weight are not equally affected, rather the focus is on linear growth retardation with normal skeletal proportions.

3. Which of the following is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Capillary refill

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillary refill is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults. This is because children have more compliant vessels, making capillary refill a more sensitive indicator of perfusion status in this population. In contrast, while blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important indicators, they may not be as reliable in children as capillary refill. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as anxiety or pain, heart rate can be influenced by emotions or temperature, and respiratory rate may vary with activity levels. Therefore, capillary refill is preferred in children for a more accurate assessment of perfusion.

4. Which of the following techniques represents the MOST appropriate method of opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury?

• A. Perform the technique as you would for an older child or adult.
• B. Lift up the chin and hyperextend the neck.
• C. Gently lift the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck.
• D. Tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tilting the head back without hyperextending the neck is the safest way to open an infant's airway. Hyperextending the neck can potentially cause harm to the infant, making option D the most appropriate method for opening an infant's airway without suspected neck injury.

5. A child is being admitted to the hospital for probable pneumonia. The nurse asks what the parents have done at home for this illness. The parent comments that they have given the child a tea made up of herbs that a neighbor recommended. The parents ask if that is a safe thing to do. The most appropriate response for the nurse is:

• A. Sure, if it doesn't make the child worse, it could help.
• B. Of course, teas are rarely harmful.
• C. It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.
• D. Absolutely not, herbal teas are not appropriate for children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response is C: 'It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.' This response acknowledges the potential differences in the effects of herbal teas on adults versus children and highlights the importance of considering the lack of specific research on this topic when it comes to pediatric care. Choice A is incorrect because assuming something is safe without evidence can be risky in a pediatric setting. Choice B is also incorrect as it oversimplifies the safety of herbal teas. Choice D is too definitive and does not consider the possibility that herbal teas might have different effects on children than on adults.

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