Nursing Elites

1. How should a nurse prepare a 15-month-old child diagnosed with hydrocephalus for a computed tomography (CT) scan?

• A. Shaving the child's head
• B. Starting the prescribed IV infusion
• C. Administering the prescribed sedative
• D. Giving the child a simple explanation of the procedure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Preparing a toddler for a CT scan involves providing a simple explanation of the procedure to help reduce anxiety and fear. Shaving the child's head is unnecessary for a CT scan and may increase distress. Starting an IV infusion or administering sedatives may not be appropriate or necessary for all pediatric patients undergoing CT scans, especially if the child can cooperate without these interventions.

2. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

3. A 6-month-old infant is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. What explanation should the nurse provide to the parents about this condition?

• A. It is a condition affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
• B. It is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs.
• C. It is a genetic disorder that can be managed with medication.
• D. It is a condition caused by prenatal exposure to toxins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is a condition affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.' Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It is caused by a defective gene that leads to the production of thick and sticky mucus in these organs. This mucus can clog airways in the lungs and block the ducts in the pancreas, affecting digestion. Choice B is incorrect because cystic fibrosis is not an autoimmune disorder; it is a genetic condition. Choice C is partially correct in that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, but merely managing it with medication oversimplifies the comprehensive care needed for individuals with cystic fibrosis. Choice D is incorrect as cystic fibrosis is not caused by prenatal exposure to toxins but is a genetic condition inherited from parents.

4. A 3-year-old child with a history of frequent respiratory infections is being evaluated for cystic fibrosis. What diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate will be ordered?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. Sweat chloride test
• C. Pulmonary function test
• D. Sputum culture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The sweat chloride test is the gold standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis as it measures the concentration of chloride in sweat. In cystic fibrosis, there is an abnormal transport of chloride across epithelial membranes, leading to elevated sweat chloride levels. A chest X-ray may show characteristic changes in the lungs associated with cystic fibrosis, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test. Pulmonary function tests assess lung function but do not specifically diagnose cystic fibrosis. Sputum culture may identify respiratory infections but does not confirm the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.

5. The instructor is educating a group of students about myelination in a child. Which statement by the students indicates that the teaching was successful?

• A. Myelination continues into adolescence.
• B. The process occurs in a head-to-toe fashion.
• C. Myelination speeds up nerve impulses.
• D. Myelination increases the specificity and efficiency of nerve impulses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Myelination occurs in a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) pattern, improving nerve function progressively. Choice A is incorrect because myelination continues beyond 4 years of age and into adolescence. Choice C is incorrect as myelination speeds up nerve impulses rather than slowing them down. Choice D is incorrect because myelination increases the specificity and efficiency of nerve impulses, making them more focused and precise.

Similar Questions