Nursing Elites

1. How is the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease confirmed in a 1-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit?

• A. Colonoscopy
• B. Rectal biopsy
• C. Multiple saline enemas
• D. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rectal biopsy is the definitive diagnostic procedure for Hirschsprung disease in infants. It confirms the absence of ganglion cells in the affected bowel segment, which is characteristic of Hirschsprung disease. Colonoscopy (Choice A) is not typically used for confirmation as it may not provide a definitive result. Multiple saline enemas (Choice C) are utilized in the treatment of meconium ileus, a complication of cystic fibrosis, and not in the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease. Fiberoptic nasoenteric tube (Choice D) is not a diagnostic tool for Hirschsprung disease; it is commonly used for gastrointestinal decompression or feeding purposes but does not confirm the diagnosis.

2. What explanation should the nurse give a parent about the purpose of a tetanus toxoid injection for their child?

• A. Passive immunity is conferred temporarily.
• B. Long-lasting active immunity is conferred.
• C. Lifelong active natural immunity is conferred.
• D. Passive natural immunity is conferred temporarily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Long-lasting active immunity is conferred. Tetanus toxoid injection works by stimulating the child's body to produce its antibodies, providing long-lasting active immunity. Choice A is incorrect because passive immunity is not conferred for life; it is temporary and involves receiving antibodies rather than producing them internally. Choice C is incorrect as the immunity conferred by the tetanus toxoid injection is not lifelong natural immunity but rather active immunity stimulated by the body's immune response. Choice D is also incorrect since passive natural immunity is not conferred by the tetanus toxoid injection, and it is not temporary.

3. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Maintaining electrolyte balance
• B. Preventing dehydration
• C. Preventing fluid overload
• D. Avoiding cardiac overload

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In infants, monitoring IV flow rates is essential to prevent fluid overload, not cardiac overload. Excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. It is crucial to maintain a balance between providing adequate hydration and avoiding fluid overload to prevent adverse outcomes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern is to prevent complications related to excess fluid rather than focusing on electrolyte balance, dehydration prevention, or avoiding cardiac overload.

4. The nurse is caring for a 15-year-old boy who has sustained burn injuries. The nurse observes the burn developing a purplish color with discharge and a foul odor. The nurse suspects which infection?

• A. Burn wound cellulitis.
• B. Invasive burn cellulitis.
• C. Burn impetigo.
• D. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Invasive burn cellulitis is characterized by the burn developing a dark brown, black, or purplish color with discharge and a foul odor. This description aligns with the symptoms observed in the 15-year-old boy. Burn wound cellulitis (Choice A) typically presents with erythema, edema, warmth, and tenderness at the burn site, without the characteristic changes seen in this case. Burn impetigo (Choice C) is a superficial infection characterized by honey-colored crusts, not consistent with the purplish color and foul odor described. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (Choice D) is a condition caused by exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus, leading to widespread desquamation of the skin, but it does not typically present with the specific findings mentioned in the scenario.

5. While assessing a child admitted for an asthma attack, a nurse in the emergency department observes large welts and scars on the child's back. What additional information must be included in the nurse’s assessment?

• A. History of an injury
• B. Signs of child abuse
• C. Presence of food allergies
• D. Recent recovery from chickenpox

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of child abuse. When a nurse observes large welts and scars on a child, it raises concern for possible child abuse. It is crucial for the nurse to assess further for signs of abuse, document findings, and report appropriately to protect the child. Choice A, history of an injury, is not specific to potential abuse and may not provide insight into the current situation. Choice C, presence of food allergies, is not directly related to the observed welts and scars. Choice D, recent recovery from chickenpox, is also unrelated to the signs of abuse and does not impact the immediate assessment of the child's safety.

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