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. A child with a diagnosis of appendicitis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Maintaining strict NPO status
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is to monitor for signs of infection. This is crucial to ensure that any potential infections are promptly identified and managed before surgery. Administering antibiotics, maintaining strict NPO status, and encouraging fluid intake are important interventions in various clinical situations but are not the priority in this scenario. Administering antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan but is typically prescribed by a physician. Maintaining NPO status is important to prevent complications related to anesthesia but may not directly address the specific needs of a child with appendicitis. Encouraging fluid intake is generally beneficial for hydration but may not be the primary concern before surgery for appendicitis.

3. A parent and 3-month-old infant are visiting the well-baby clinic for a routine examination. What should the nurse include in the accident prevention teaching plan?

• A. Remove small objects from the floor.
• B. Cover electric outlets with safety plugs.
• C. Remove toxic substances from low areas.
• D. Test the temperature of water before bathing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to test the temperature of water before bathing. This is crucial in preventing burns, which is a significant risk for infants due to their sensitive skin. Infants have delicate skin that can be easily burned by water that is too hot. Removing small objects from the floor (Choice A) is important to prevent choking hazards but not directly related to burns. Covering electric outlets with safety plugs (Choice B) is essential to prevent electrocution but does not address the risk of burns specifically. Removing toxic substances from low areas (Choice C) is necessary to prevent poisoning but is not directly related to burns. Therefore, the priority in this scenario is to prevent burns by ensuring the water temperature is safe for the infant.

4. A child with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering intravenous fluids
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Monitoring for signs of dehydration
• D. Monitoring for signs of pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with pyloric stenosis is to monitor for signs of dehydration. Pyloric stenosis can lead to vomiting, which can result in dehydration. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is crucial to ensure the child's fluid balance is maintained. Administering intravenous fluids, although important for managing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, would typically be done postoperatively rather than as a preoperative intervention. Monitoring for signs of infection is important but not specific to the preoperative period for pyloric stenosis. Monitoring for signs of pain is also important but may not be the most critical preoperative intervention in this scenario.

5. The healthcare provider notes that a child has lost 8 pounds after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. This is most likely the result of

• A. poor appetite
• B. increased potassium intake
• C. reduction of edema
• D. restriction to bed rest

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute glomerulonephritis, weight loss is most likely due to the reduction of edema. Edema is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, which causes fluid retention and swelling in the body. As treatment progresses and the condition improves, the reduction of edema leads to weight loss. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis and its impact on weight loss.

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