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. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?

• A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide high-calorie snacks
• D. Encourage frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor liver function tests regularly. Methotrexate, commonly used in JIA, can be hepatotoxic. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early. While encouraging regular exercise (choice B) is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (choice C) is not a necessary consideration in this context and can be misleading. Encouraging frequent handwashing (choice D) is important for infection control but is not specifically related to the medication methotrexate.

3. 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.

4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Administering chemotherapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy compromises the child's immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections. Preventing infection is crucial to avoid potential complications such as sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Administering chemotherapy is essential for treating ALL but preventing infection takes precedence due to the increased risk of infections associated with chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Providing nutritional support is important for overall health but preventing infections is more critical in this context. Monitoring fluid intake is significant, but the priority is to prevent infections that can have severe consequences in an immunocompromised child.

5. When a parent tells a nurse at the clinic, 'Each morning I offer my 24-month-old child juice, and all I hear is ‘No.’ What should I do because I know my child needs fluid?' What strategy should the nurse suggest?

• A. Offer the child a choice of two juices.
• B. Distract the child with a favorite food.
• C. Offer the child the glass in a firm manner.
• D. Allow the child to see the parent getting angry.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should suggest offering the child a choice of two juices. Giving the child a choice between two options empowers them to make a decision, fostering a sense of control, and increasing the likelihood of cooperation. This approach respects the child's autonomy while addressing the parent's concern about the child's fluid intake. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because distracting the child, offering the glass in a firm manner, or displaying anger are not effective strategies for encouraging a 24-month-old child to drink juice.

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