Nursing Elites

1. A 14-year-old with chronic renal failure suddenly becomes non-compliant with the medication regimen. Which nursing intervention would most likely improve compliance?

• A. Give the child a computer-animated game that presents information on the management of chronic renal failure.
• B. Set up a meeting with some older teens who have chronic renal failure and have been managing their disease effectively.
• C. Arrange for a physician to sit down and talk to the child about the risks related to noncompliance with medications.
• D. Discuss with the child’s parents that privileges, such as a cell phone, can be taken away if compliance fails to improve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adolescents often seek guidance and support from their peers. Setting up a meeting with older teens who are effectively managing chronic renal failure can provide the 14-year-old with motivation, encouragement, and practical advice on how to handle their treatment regimen. This peer support can positively influence the non-compliant adolescent, making choice B the most likely intervention to improve compliance. Choices A and C may not address the peer influence aspect of adolescent behavior, while choice D focuses on punitive measures rather than addressing the underlying reasons for non-compliance.

2. After 8 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, Chris will soon be discharged. His parents seem apprehensive and worry that he may still be in danger. What is this considered by the nurse?

• A. A common parental reaction
• B. Suggestive of maladaptation
• C. A reason to postpone discharge
• D. Suggestive of inadequate bonding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parents become apprehensive and worried as the time for discharge approaches, which is a common parental reaction. They often have concerns and insecurities about caring for their infant. The worry about potential dangers is a normal adaptive response reflecting the parents' concern for their child's well-being. It is essential for healthcare providers to acknowledge these feelings and support parents in gaining confidence in caring for their infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parents' apprehension in this context is a typical emotional response and not indicative of maladaptation, a reason to postpone discharge, or inadequate bonding.

3. Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. What is a benefit of using an implanted port (e.g., Port-a-Cath)?

• A. You do not need to pierce the skin for access.
• B. It is easy to use for self-administered infusions.
• C. The patient does not need to limit regular physical activity, including swimming.
• D. The catheter cannot dislodge from the port even if the child plays with the port site.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Implanted ports like the Port-a-Cath are fully implanted under the skin, allowing the child to maintain regular physical activities, including swimming, without the risk of dislodging the catheter. Piercing the skin is still required for access, and self-administration is more complex.

4. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

5. When planning care for a child with a urinary tract infection, the nurse should give priority to which treatment measure?

• A. Provide adequate nutrition to prevent dehydration.
• B. Administer ordered antibiotics on schedule.
• C. Prevent enuresis.
• D. Restrict fluid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering antibiotics on schedule is crucial in treating a UTI effectively and preventing complications. Antibiotics help to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract. While maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration are important aspects of care, the priority in a UTI is to target the infection with antibiotics. Preventing enuresis (bedwetting) is not directly related to the treatment of the infection. Fluid restriction is not recommended in the management of a UTI; in fact, encouraging adequate fluid intake helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

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