Nursing Elites

1. A 2-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. What is the primary goal of therapy during the acute phase?

• A. Preventing coronary artery aneurysms
• B. Reducing fever
• C. Improving cardiac function
• D. Preventing dehydration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of therapy during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease is to prevent coronary artery aneurysms. Kawasaki disease is characterized by systemic vasculitis and the most serious complication is the development of coronary artery aneurysms. While reducing fever and improving cardiac function are important aspects of managing Kawasaki disease, the primary focus in the acute phase is to prevent the development of coronary artery aneurysms. Preventing dehydration is also essential but not the primary goal in managing Kawasaki disease.

2. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress, and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respiratory rates of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse failed to report or document the slow respiratory rate of the infant, which later led to severe respiratory distress. It is crucial to understand that any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported promptly. This documentation is vital for monitoring the infant's condition, identifying potential issues, and ensuring timely intervention if needed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they downplay the significance of abnormal vital signs and fail to emphasize the importance of documentation and reporting in infant care.

3. A 3-year-old child is being discharged after being treated for dehydration. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor for signs of dehydration
• C. Monitor for signs of hypovolemia
• D. Monitor for signs of malnutrition

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct! When a child is being discharged after treatment for dehydration, it is important to educate caregivers about monitoring for signs of dehydration to prevent reoccurrence. Dehydration is the primary concern in this scenario, as the child's fluid levels need to be closely monitored. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while infection, hypovolemia, and malnutrition are also important considerations in pediatric care, the immediate focus after treating dehydration should be on preventing its recurrence by monitoring for signs of dehydration.

4. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Assessing for signs of dehydration is crucial in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) because they are at high risk due to frequent vomiting. Dehydration can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority assessments for HPS. While the quality of the cry can provide some information on the infant's distress level, dehydration assessment takes precedence. Coughing up feedings may not be specific to HPS, and characteristics of the stool, although important in general assessments, are not the priority in this situation.

5. After undergoing surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum, what position should the nurse instruct the parents to avoid for the child?

• A. Semi-Fowler position.
• B. Supine position.
• C. High Fowler position.
• D. Side-lying position.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After undergoing surgery for pectus excavatum correction with steel bar placement, the nurse should instruct the parents to avoid placing the child in a side-lying position. This position should be avoided to prevent displacement of the steel bar, which could compromise the surgical outcome. Semi-Fowler, supine, and high Fowler positions do not pose the same risk of displacing the steel bar and are generally safe and comfortable for the child in this postoperative period.

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