Nursing Elites

1. What is the appropriate therapeutic management for children with Hirschsprung disease?

• A. daily enemas
• B. low-fiber diet
• C. permanent colostomy
• D. surgical removal of the affected section of bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung disease is characterized by a segment of the colon lacking nerve cells, leading to obstruction. The definitive treatment involves surgically removing the affected segment, followed by a pull-through procedure to restore normal bowel continuity. Daily enemas (choice A) are not the primary treatment for Hirschsprung disease. While dietary adjustments may be advised, a low-fiber diet (choice B) alone is not curative for this condition. A permanent colostomy (choice C) is considered a last resort if surgical interventions fail or in severe cases, but it is not the initial therapeutic approach for managing Hirschsprung disease.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often considered the last sign of heart failure in infants and children. It indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are early signs of heart failure due to inadequate cardiac output. Periorbital edema, while a sign of excess fluid, typically occurs earlier in the progression of heart failure compared to peripheral edema.

3. What finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Smooth velvety skin
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weight gain is the expected finding in a child with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowed metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Choices A, B, and C are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Nervousness and heat intolerance are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity. Smooth velvety skin is not a characteristic sign of hypothyroidism.

4. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.

5. A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid spicy foods
• B. Avoid gluten
• C. Avoid high-fat foods
• D. Avoid dairy products

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Avoiding gluten is not typically necessary for managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children. The correct dietary instruction for a 2-year-old with GERD would be to avoid high-fat foods. High-fat foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased reflux symptoms. While spicy foods and dairy products may also trigger reflux in some individuals, the primary focus should be on avoiding high-fat foods due to their direct impact on the lower esophageal sphincter, which exacerbates GERD symptoms.

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