Nursing Elites

1. A 1-year-old child has a congenital cardiac malformation that causes right-to-left shunting of blood through the heart. What clinical finding should the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Proteinuria
• B. Peripheral edema
• C. Elevated hematocrit
• D. Absence of pedal pulses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a congenital cardiac malformation causing right-to-left shunting, the nurse should expect an elevated hematocrit. This occurs because the body compensates for decreased oxygenation by producing more red blood cells. Proteinuria (Choice A) is not typically associated with congenital cardiac malformations causing right-to-left shunting. Peripheral edema (Choice B) is more commonly seen in conditions causing left-sided heart failure. Absence of pedal pulses (Choice D) is not a typical finding in congenital cardiac malformations causing right-to-left shunting.

2. A 6-year-old child comes to the school nurse reporting a sore throat, and the nurse verifies that the child has a fever and a red, inflamed throat. When a parent of the child arrives at school to take the child home, the nurse urges the parent to seek treatment. The nurse is aware that the causative agent may be beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and the illness may progress to inflamed joints and an infection in the heart. What illness is of most concern to the nurse?

• A. Tetanus
• B. Influenza
• C. Scarlet fever
• D. Rheumatic fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rheumatic fever is the most concerning illness in this case. It can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. If not properly treated, rheumatic fever can lead to serious complications such as inflamed joints and heart infections. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium tetani bacteria and is not related to the symptoms described in the scenario. Influenza is a viral respiratory illness and does not typically lead to rheumatic fever. While scarlet fever is also caused by streptococcus bacteria, in this case, the symptoms described are more indicative of rheumatic fever than scarlet fever.

3. 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.

4. An order is written for an isotonic enema for a 2-year-old child. What is the maximum amount of fluid the nurse should administer without a specific order from the healthcare provider?

• A. 100 to 150 mL
• B. 155 to 250 mL
• C. 255 to 360 mL
• D. 365 to 500 mL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a 2-year-old child, the maximum recommended amount of fluid for an isotonic enema is between 155 to 250 mL. This range is considered safe to prevent overdistension and potential harm to the child's rectum. Choices A, C, and D exceed the safe range for a 2-year-old child and can lead to complications such as bowel perforation or electrolyte imbalances.

5. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
• B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
• C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
• D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.

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