Nursing Elites

1. A 12-year-old child had an appendectomy 18 hours ago. The nurse is monitoring the child for pain control. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for assessing the child’s pain?

• A. FLACC scale
• B. Numeric scale
• C. NIPS scale
• D. FACES scale

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Numeric scale is the most appropriate tool for assessing pain in older children, like a 12-year-old, as they can comprehend and use numbers to indicate their pain levels accurately. The FLACC scale is typically used for nonverbal or preverbal children. The NIPS scale is designed for neonates and infants. The FACES scale is more commonly used in younger children who may have difficulty expressing their pain in other ways.

2. When should the dressing change for a post-op pediatric patient that is expected to be very painful and frightening be performed?

• A. In the patient’s room
• B. In the treatment room
• C. After discharge when the patient is at home
• D. In the playroom

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'In the treatment room.' Performing painful procedures in the treatment room helps the child associate their own room with safety and comfort, not pain. Choice A is incorrect because performing the dressing change in the patient’s room may create a negative association with their safe space. Choice C is incorrect as it is important to ensure proper wound care and pain management before discharge. Choice D is incorrect as the playroom may not be equipped for a sterile dressing change.

3. What is the purpose of using cimetidine (Tagamet) for gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. The medication reduces gastric acid secretion.
• B. The medication neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
• C. The medication increases the rate of gastric emptying time.
• D. The medication coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing gastric acid secretion. This action helps to decrease the acidity in the stomach, which in turn reduces the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Choice B is incorrect because cimetidine does not neutralize acid but rather decreases its production. Choice C is incorrect as cimetidine does not affect the rate of gastric emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as cimetidine does not coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus but instead works to reduce gastric acid secretion.

4. A newborn is admitted to the nursery with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. The mother refuses to see or hold her infant. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Restate what the physician has told her about plastic surgery
• B. Suggest holding her baby without making eye contact
• C. Encourage and allow the mother to express her feelings
• D. Recognize and allow the mother to express her feelings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the priority is to acknowledge and validate the mother's feelings, creating a supportive environment for her. Option D is correct as it focuses on recognizing and allowing the mother to express her emotions. This approach can help build trust and facilitate communication. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not address the mother's emotional needs and may come across as dismissive. Option C is less appropriate as it only encourages expression without explicitly recognizing the mother's current emotional state.

5. A health care provider prescribes feedings of 1 to 2 oz Pedialyte every 3 hours and to advance to 1/2 strength Similac with iron as tolerated postoperatively for an infant who had a pyloromyotomy. The nurse should decide to advance the feeding if which occurs?

• A. The infant's IV line has infiltrated.
• B. The infant has not voided since surgery.
• C. The infant's mother states the infant is tolerating the feeding okay.
• D. The infant is taking the Pedialyte without vomiting or distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The decision to advance feedings after a pyloromyotomy is based on the infant's ability to tolerate the current feedings without vomiting or abdominal distention. Ensuring the infant can keep down Pedialyte is the key indicator for moving to the next stage of feeding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the infant's ability to tolerate the feeding. An infiltrated IV line, lack of voiding, or the mother's statement do not provide direct information on the infant's tolerance to the feeding, unlike the absence of vomiting and distention.

Similar Questions