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. A child who had surgery for a congenital heart defect is being discharged. What is an important aspect of the discharge teaching?

• A. Teaching the parents about signs of infection
• B. Providing instructions on wound care
• C. Scheduling follow-up appointments
• D. Explaining the use of prescribed medications

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Explaining the use of prescribed medications is crucial as it helps ensure the proper management of the child's condition post-discharge. Understanding how and when to administer medications is essential for the child's recovery. While teaching the parents about signs of infection, providing wound care instructions, and scheduling follow-up appointments are also important aspects of care, ensuring the correct use of prescribed medications takes precedence to prevent complications and promote the child's well-being.

3. 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: B

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is maintaining strict NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This is crucial to reduce the risk of aspiration during anesthesia induction and prevent potential complications during surgery. Administering antibiotics may be a part of the treatment plan but is not a preoperative intervention. Encouraging fluid intake is contraindicated preoperatively to avoid delays in surgery and complications related to anesthesia. Monitoring for signs of infection is important postoperatively to assess for any complications that may arise due to the surgical procedure.

4. When obtaining a health history from parents of a 4-month-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism, what would the nurse most likely assess?

• A. The child's growth is above normal for his age.
• B. The child is active and playful.
• C. The skin appears pink and healthy.
• D. It is difficult to keep the child awake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In congenital hypothyroidism, infants often experience lethargy and difficulty staying awake due to low thyroid hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect as hypothyroidism can lead to poor growth in infants. Choice B is incorrect because hypothyroidism can cause decreased activity levels and lethargy rather than being active and playful. Choice C is incorrect as hypothyroidism can result in dry skin and poor skin tone, not necessarily pink and healthy-looking skin.

5. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering a bronchodilator
• B. Administering an antihistamine
• C. Administering a corticosteroid
• D. Administering oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways quickly, providing immediate relief by opening up the narrowed air passages in asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations and may not address the underlying bronchoconstriction. Corticosteroids are important for long-term control of asthma but may take longer to have an effect compared to bronchodilators. Administering oxygen is essential for hypoxemia in asthma exacerbations, but the priority is to relieve bronchoconstriction promptly with a bronchodilator.

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