Nursing Elites

1. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

• A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
• B. Reflective of neurologic damage
• C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
• D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

2. An order is written for an isotonic enema for a 2-year-old child. What is the maximum amount of fluid the nurse should administer without a specific order from the health care provider?

• A. 100 to 150 mL
• B. 155 to 250 mL
• C. 255 to 360 mL
• D. 365 to 500 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a 2-year-old child, the maximum recommended amount of fluid for an isotonic enema is between 155 to 250 mL to prevent overdistension and potential harm. Choice A (100 to 150 mL) is too low and may not be effective in achieving the desired outcome. Choices C (255 to 360 mL) and D (365 to 500 mL) exceed the safe range for a 2-year-old child and can lead to overdistension, electrolyte imbalance, or other complications. Therefore, the correct answer is B.

3. At 7 AM, a nurse receives the information that an adolescent with diabetes has a 6:30 AM fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action at this time?

• A. Encourage the adolescent to start exercising.
• B. Ask the adolescent to obtain an immediate glucometer reading.
• C. Inform the adolescent that a complex carbohydrate such as cheese should be eaten.
• D. Tell the adolescent that the prescribed dose of rapid acting insulin should be administered.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rapid acting insulin will help lower the elevated blood glucose level quickly.

4. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

5. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for a 3-year-old child diagnosed with acute otitis media?

• A. Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids
• B. Encourage the child to eat a balanced diet
• C. Administer pain medication as needed
• D. Apply warm compresses to the affected ear

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids. This helps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration in children with acute otitis media. Encouraging a balanced diet is important for overall health but may not directly impact otitis media symptoms. While administering pain medication as needed can help manage discomfort, it is not a primary discharge teaching for this condition. Applying warm compresses to the affected ear is not typically recommended in acute otitis media cases as it can potentially worsen the infection.

Similar Questions