Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old is admitted to the hospital with persistent vomiting, and a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent suction is applied. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours.
• B. Shift intake of 640 mL IV fluids plus 30 mL PO ice chips.
• C. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L.
• D. Serum pH of 7.45.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is significantly low and indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for immediate intervention. The other findings are not as critical in this situation. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours may be expected in a patient with persistent vomiting. The shift intake of IV fluids and ice chips indicates fluid replacement, which is important but not as urgent as correcting electrolyte imbalances. A serum pH of 7.45 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

2. When reviewing the dietary guidelines for a child with nephrotic syndrome, which diet should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents?

• A. High protein.
• B. Low sodium.
• C. Low fat.
• D. High carbohydrate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct diet that the practical nurse should reinforce with the parents of a child with nephrotic syndrome is a low-sodium diet. This diet is crucial for managing fluid retention and reducing the risk of edema, which are common concerns in children with nephrotic syndrome.

3. The healthcare professional working on the pediatric unit takes two 8-year-old girls to the playroom. Which activity is best for the healthcare professional to plan for these girls?

• A. Selecting a board game.
• B. Playing doctor and patient.
• C. Watching cartoons on TV.
• D. Coloring, cutting, and pasting.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Selecting a board game is the best activity for the healthcare professional to plan for these girls as it is age-appropriate and promotes social interaction. Board games can enhance cognitive skills, encourage teamwork, and provide an enjoyable and interactive experience for the girls.

4. When caring for a child with Kawasaki disease, which symptom is the most significant for making this diagnosis?

• A. Desquamation of the palms and soles.
• B. Cervical lymphadenopathy.
• C. Erythema of the hands and feet.
• D. Strawberry tongue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Erythema of the hands and feet is a key diagnostic criterion for Kawasaki disease. This, along with other symptoms like fever and strawberry tongue, helps in making the diagnosis. While desquamation of the palms and soles, cervical lymphadenopathy, and strawberry tongue are associated with Kawasaki disease, the presence of erythema of the hands and feet is particularly significant in diagnosing this condition.

5. A 10-year-old child with hemophilia is admitted to the hospital with joint pain and swelling. What should the healthcare provider do first?

• A. Apply ice to the affected joint
• B. Administer pain medication
• C. Elevate the affected limb
• D. Administer factor VIII as prescribed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering factor VIII as prescribed is the priority intervention for a child with hemophilia experiencing joint pain and swelling. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder that impairs the blood's ability to clot properly, leading to prolonged bleeding. Factor VIII replacement therapy is essential as it helps restore the missing clotting factor in patients with hemophilia, thereby aiding in clot formation and preventing further bleeding. Applying ice, administering pain medication, or elevating the limb may be supportive measures but addressing the underlying cause by providing factor VIII therapy takes precedence in managing hemophilia-related joint pain and swelling.

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