Nursing Elites

1. A 13-year-old client with type 1 diabetes is admitted to the hospital with a blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL. The client is lethargic and has fruity-smelling breath. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer insulin as prescribed
• B. Start an IV infusion of normal saline
• C. Check the client’s urine for ketones
• D. Monitor the client’s vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct priority action for the nurse is to start an IV infusion of normal saline. The client's presentation with lethargy, fruity-smelling breath, and high blood glucose level indicates diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). IV fluids are essential to correct dehydration and help stabilize the client's condition. Checking for ketones in the urine is important, but fluid replacement takes precedence to address the immediate risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin is also a crucial intervention for DKA, but fluid resuscitation should first be initiated.

2. The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child who is hospitalized with pneumonia. The child is receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. The nurse notes that the child’s respiratory rate is 40 breaths per minute, and the oxygen saturation is 92%. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Increase the child’s oxygen flow rate
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Encourage the child to take deep breaths
• D. Auscultate the child’s lung sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the child is hospitalized with pneumonia, receiving IV antibiotics and oxygen therapy. With a high respiratory rate and decreased oxygen saturation, auscultating the child’s lung sounds is the priority action. This assessment can provide crucial information about the child’s respiratory status, such as the presence of adventitious sounds or decreased air entry, which can guide further interventions and help in evaluating the effectiveness of the current treatments. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may not address the underlying issue causing the decreased oxygen saturation. Notifying the healthcare provider can be necessary but auscultating lung sounds should be done first to gather more information. Encouraging the child to take deep breaths is important for respiratory function but should not be the immediate priority in this situation.

3. When planning care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever, what is the primary goal of nursing care?

• A. Reduce fever.
• B. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• C. Prevent cardiac damage.
• D. Maintain joint mobility and function.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing care for a child diagnosed with rheumatic fever is to prevent cardiac damage. Rheumatic fever can lead to complications affecting the heart, making it crucial to monitor and prevent cardiac involvement to avoid long-term consequences. While addressing fever and joint pain are important aspects of care, preventing cardiac damage takes precedence in managing rheumatic fever. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the primary goals of nursing care in this case.

4. What information should a nurse discuss with the mother of a 2-year-old girl who is drinking sweetened soda from her bottle?

• A. Encouraging 2-word phrases in speech development for a 2-year-old
• B. Explaining the association between drinking soda and dental caries
• C. Discussing the link between drinking soda and childhood obesity
• D. Emphasizing the importance of toddlers sleeping 10 hours a night

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is explaining the association between drinking soda and dental caries. Soda consumption can lead to tooth decay and cavities, so it is crucial to educate the mother about this to prevent dental issues in the child.

5. A 9-year-old child is brought to the clinic with complaints of fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. The nurse notes that the child has a history of iron-deficiency anemia. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer iron supplements as prescribed
• B. Monitor the child’s hemoglobin levels
• C. Educate the parents about dietary sources of iron
• D. Notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a child with a history of iron-deficiency anemia presenting with symptoms of fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath, the priority action for the nurse is to administer iron supplements as prescribed. Iron supplementation is essential to treat iron-deficiency anemia and improve the child's symptoms promptly. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is important but administering iron supplements takes precedence to address the underlying cause. Educating parents about dietary iron sources is valuable for prevention but not the immediate priority. Notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary but should not delay the initiation of treatment with iron supplements.

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