Nursing Elites

1. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.

2. The nurse is developing a plan of care for a 7-year-old boy with diabetes insipidus. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Deficient fluid volume related to dehydration
• B. Excess fluid volume related to edema
• C. Deficient knowledge related to fluid intake regimen
• D. Imbalanced nutrition related to excess weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a 7-year-old boy with diabetes insipidus is deficient fluid volume related to dehydration. Diabetes insipidus causes excessive thirst and urination, leading to fluid imbalance and potential dehydration. Choice B, excess fluid volume related to edema, is not a priority as diabetes insipidus is characterized by fluid loss, not retention. Choice C, deficient knowledge related to fluid intake regimen, may be important but is not the priority when the child is at risk of dehydration. Choice D, imbalanced nutrition related to excess weight, is not directly associated with the primary concern of fluid volume imbalance in diabetes insipidus.

3. When the working mother of a toddler is preparing to take her child home after a prolonged hospitalization, she asks the nurse what type of behavior she should expect to be displayed. What is the nurse’s most appropriate description of her child’s probable behavior?

• A. Excessively demanding behavior
• B. Hostile attitude toward the mother
• C. Cheerful, with shallow attachment behaviors
• D. Withdrawn, without emotional ties to the mother

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After a prolonged hospitalization, a toddler may exhibit excessively demanding behavior as they readjust to being home. This behavior can stem from the child feeling insecure or anxious about the changes in their environment. The child may seek extra attention and reassurance during this transition period. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hostility, shallowness in attachment, and withdrawal without emotional ties are less likely behaviors to be displayed by a toddler readjusting to home after a hospital stay.

4. A child with a diagnosis of hemophilia is admitted to the hospital with a bleeding episode. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pain medication
• B. Monitoring for signs of infection
• C. Administering factor VIII
• D. Ensuring a safe environment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with hemophilia experiencing a bleeding episode is administering factor VIII. Hemophilia is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in clotting factors, such as factor VIII. Administering factor VIII replacement therapy is crucial to stop or control bleeding in individuals with hemophilia. Options A, B, and D are important aspects of patient care but do not take precedence over addressing the underlying cause of the bleeding in a child with hemophilia, which is the deficiency of factor VIII.

5. What treatment should the nurse suggest to an adolescent with type 1 diabetes if an insulin reaction is experienced while at a basketball game?

• A. Call your parents immediately.
• B. Buy a soda and hamburger to eat.
• C. Administer insulin as soon as possible.
• D. Leave the arena and rest until the symptoms subside.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an adolescent with type 1 diabetes experiences an insulin reaction, it is essential to quickly raise their blood sugar levels. Buying a soda and a hamburger to eat is the best choice in this situation as it provides a fast-acting source of sugar to counteract hypoglycemia. Calling parents immediately may cause a delay in receiving appropriate treatment. Administering insulin would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the situation. Leaving the arena and resting would not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.

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