Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

2. What information would the nurse include in the preoperative plan of care for an infant with myelomeningocele?

• A. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks
• B. Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze
• C. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket
• D. Applying a diaper to prevent fecal soiling of the sac

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze. This intervention is essential in caring for an infant with myelomeningocele as it helps prevent infection and maintains a moist environment around the sac before surgical repair. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks (Choice A) may be suitable for comfort but is not directly related to managing the myelomeningocele. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket (Choice C) and applying a diaper (Choice D) are not recommended as they can increase the risk of infection and damage to the sac.

3. An infant who had cardiac surgery for a congenital defect is to be discharged. What should the nurse emphasize to the parents regarding administering the prescribed antibiotic?

• A. Give the antibiotic between feedings.
• B. Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.
• C. Shake the bottle thoroughly before giving the antibiotic.
• D. Keep the antibiotic in the refrigerator after the bottle has been opened.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.' It is crucial for the parents to follow the prescribed antibiotic regimen to prevent infections and promote proper healing following cardiac surgery. Option A is incorrect because the timing of antibiotic administration may vary depending on the specific medication and instructions. Option C is not necessary and could potentially affect the antibiotic's effectiveness. Option D is not relevant to the administration of the antibiotic and does not ensure proper usage.

4. What is the primary treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

• A. corticosteroids
• B. antihypertensive agents
• C. long-term diuretics
• D. increased fluids to promote diuresis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome due to their immunosuppressive effects, which help reduce proteinuria and control the disease progression. Antihypertensive agents are not the primary treatment for this condition and are typically used to manage hypertension that may result from nephrotic syndrome. Long-term diuretics are not indicated in the treatment of minimal change nephrotic syndrome as they do not address the underlying cause. Increasing fluids to promote diuresis is not a recommended treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome, as it can exacerbate edema and fluid overload in these patients.

5. Surgical repair for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is done to prevent the complication of

• A. pulmonary infection
• B. right-to-left shunt of blood
• C. decreased workload on the left side of the heart
• D. increased pulmonary vascular congestion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Surgical repair of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) aims to prevent increased pulmonary vascular congestion, which can lead to congestive heart failure and respiratory distress. Choice A, pulmonary infection, is not a direct complication of PDA but rather a result of other factors. Choice B, right-to-left shunt of blood, is a characteristic of a different heart condition (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot) and not specifically associated with PDA. Choice C, decreased workload on the left side of the heart, is not a typical complication of PDA but rather a consequence of left-to-right shunting that can cause volume overload in the pulmonary circulation.

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