Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

2. Which laboratory value at the time of diagnosis should the nurse anticipate would determine the worst prognosis for a child with leukemia?

• A. Slow response to chemotherapy
• B. Platelets of 150,000/mcL
• C. Leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL
• D. Leukocytes of 275,000/mcL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A high white blood cell count (leukocytes of 275,000/mcL) at diagnosis is associated with a worse prognosis in leukemia because it indicates a more aggressive disease with a higher tumor burden. Slow response to chemotherapy (choice A) is a consequence of the aggressive disease and not a determining factor at diagnosis. Platelets of 150,000/mcL (choice B) and leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL (choice C) are within normal ranges and not indicative of a worse prognosis in leukemia.

3. The nurse is taking vital signs on a group of assigned preschool-aged children. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further action?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
• B. Heart rate of 89 beats per minute
• C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is high for a preschool-aged child and may indicate an underlying issue that requires further assessment. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice A) is within the normal range for preschool children. Similarly, a heart rate of 89 beats per minute (choice B) falls within the expected range. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute (choice D) is slightly elevated but may not be as concerning as a heart rate of 120 beats per minute.

4. What is the primary objective of care for the child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS)?

• A. Reduce blood pressure
• B. Lower serum protein levels
• C. Minimize excretion of urinary protein
• D. Increase the ability of tissue to retain fluid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary objective in managing MCNS is to minimize the excretion of urinary protein, which is responsible for the hypoalbuminemia and subsequent edema in these patients.

5. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

• A. Renal function is not fully developed.
• B. Flexed posture favors heat loss.
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment.
• D. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat provides excellent insulation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neonates have a large surface area relative to their weight, which makes them prone to heat loss to the environment, leading to thermoregulation issues. The underdeveloped kidney affecting urine concentration (Choice A) is unrelated to the thermal regulation process. While a flexed posture can help retain heat (Choice B), it does not outweigh the impact of the large body surface area in neonates. Although subcutaneous fat (Choice D) provides insulation, in neonates, the large body surface area is more significant in contributing to heat loss than the fat's insulating properties.

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