Nursing Elites

1. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

• A. High serum pH
• B. Normal serum pH
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

2. A newborn is admitted to the nursery with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. The mother refuses to see or hold her infant. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Restate what the physician has told her about plastic surgery
• B. Suggest holding her baby without making eye contact
• C. Encourage and allow the mother to express her feelings
• D. Recognize and allow the mother to express her feelings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the priority is to acknowledge and validate the mother's feelings, creating a supportive environment for her. Option D is correct as it focuses on recognizing and allowing the mother to express her emotions. This approach can help build trust and facilitate communication. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not address the mother's emotional needs and may come across as dismissive. Option C is less appropriate as it only encourages expression without explicitly recognizing the mother's current emotional state.

3. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

4. At which age does an infant start to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as his or her own hand?

• A. 1 month
• B. 2 months
• C. 3 months
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By 3 months, infants begin to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as their own hands. This marks the early stages of visual recognition and cognitive development.

5. The nurse is educating a new nurse on the identification of pain in children. What does the nurse teach about physiologic measurements in children’s pain assessment?

• A. Not useful as the only indicator for pain
• B. Best indicator of pain in children of all ages
• C. Most valuable when children also report having pain
• D. Essential to determine whether a child is telling the truth about pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic manifestations of pain may vary considerably, so they do not provide a consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In chronic pain, the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. Physiologic measurements are of limited value and must be viewed in the context of a pain rating scale, behavioral assessment, and parental report. When the child reports pain on an appropriate pain scale, the appropriate interventions should be used. Therefore, physiologic measurements are not considered a reliable standalone indicator for pain in children, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because physiologic measurements alone do not serve as the best indicator of pain. Choice C is incorrect as physiologic measurements are still limited even when children report pain. Choice D is incorrect as physiologic measurements are not primarily used to determine the truthfulness of a child's pain report.

Similar Questions