Nursing Elites

1. You are called to a residence for a 'sick' 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of

• A. 100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and rapid transport
• B. positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device and rapid transport
• C. chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport
• D. back blows and chest thrusts while attempting artificial ventilations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 5-year-old child who is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the priority is to initiate chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These vital interventions are crucial in cases of severe respiratory and cardiovascular compromise. Choice A is incorrect because administering 100% oxygen alone may not address the underlying issues of inadequate ventilation and circulatory support. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this scenario; chest compressions should precede positive pressure ventilations. Choice D is incorrect as back blows and chest thrusts are indicated in choking emergencies, not in this case of respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.

2. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. What is a common clinical manifestation that the provider is likely to observe?

• A. Rash
• B. Photophobia
• C. Jaundice
• D. Kernig sign

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A common clinical manifestation of bacterial meningitis is a positive Kernig sign, which indicates meningeal irritation. Kernig sign is elicited when the leg is bent at the hip and knee at 90-degree angles, and pain and resistance are felt with extension at the knee due to inflamed meninges. Options A, B, and C are not typically associated with bacterial meningitis. A rash is more commonly seen in viral illnesses, photophobia can be present but is not specific to bacterial meningitis, and jaundice is not a typical clinical manifestation of this condition.

4. During a primary survey of a child with partial thickness burns over the upper body areas, what action should the nurse take first?

• A. Inspect the child's skin color.
• B. Assess for a patent airway.
• C. Observe for symmetric breathing.
• D. Palpate the child's pulse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for a patent airway. When dealing with a child who has sustained partial thickness burns, the priority is ensuring a patent airway due to the risk of respiratory compromise. Checking the child's skin color (choice A) may be important but is secondary to assessing the airway. While observing for symmetric breathing (choice C) is crucial, assessing the airway takes precedence in this situation. Palpating the child's pulse (choice D) is not the initial priority when managing burns and potential airway compromise.

5. When preparing a 2-year-old child for surgery, what preoperative teaching should be provided to help them understand the procedure?

• A. Explaining the procedure in simple terms
• B. Using a doll to demonstrate the procedure
• C. Showing pictures of the hospital environment
• D. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct preoperative teaching for a 2-year-old child undergoing surgery involves using a doll to demonstrate the procedure. This method helps the child understand what to expect in a non-threatening and visual way, making the experience less intimidating. Explaining the procedure in simple terms (Choice A) may not effectively convey the details to a young child. Showing pictures of the hospital environment (Choice C) may not directly address the surgical procedure itself. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment (Choice D) can be unsafe and may not effectively prepare the child for the surgery.

Similar Questions