Nursing Elites

1. A 2-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital for further surgical repair of a clubfoot is standing in the crib, crying. The child refuses to be comforted and calls for the mother. As the nurse approaches the crib to provide morning care, the child screams louder. Knowing that this behavior is typical of the stage of protest, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Use comforting measures while holding the child.
• B. Fill the basin with water and proceed to bathe the child.
• C. Sit by the crib and bathe the child later when the anxiety decreases.
• D. Postpone the bath for a day because a child this upset should not be traumatized further.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the stage of protest, children may exhibit distress and cling to familiar figures, resisting interactions with others. The most appropriate nursing intervention is to sit by the crib, offer comfort, and wait until the child's anxiety decreases before proceeding with bathing. This approach allows the child to feel supported and gradually transition to accepting care. Choice A is incorrect because forcing comfort may escalate the child's distress. Choice B is inappropriate as it disregards the child's emotional state and rushes into the bathing procedure. Choice D is not ideal as it suggests delaying care for an extended period, which may not address the child's immediate needs for comfort and hygiene.

2. Why does a cleft lip predispose an infant to infection?

• A. Waste products accumulate along the defect.
• B. There is evidence of inadequate circulation in the defective area.
• C. Nutrition is inadequate due to ineffective feeding.
• D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Mouth breathing due to a cleft lip can dry the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to infection. Choice A is incorrect because waste products do not accumulate along the defect to predispose the infant to infection. Choice B is incorrect as there is no evidence of inadequate circulation being a primary factor in infection predisposition in cleft lip cases. Choice C is incorrect because although ineffective feeding may lead to other issues, it is not the main reason for infection predisposition in infants with a cleft lip.

3. What is the most common cause of shock (hypoperfusion) in infants and children?

• A. infection
• B. cardiac failure
• C. accidental poisoning
• D. severe allergic reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the most common cause of shock in infants and children due to their increased susceptibility to sepsis. Infants and children have underdeveloped immune systems, making them more prone to infections that can lead to septic shock. While cardiac failure is a serious condition, it is not the most common cause of shock in this population. Accidental poisoning, though dangerous, is less common than infection in causing shock in infants and children. Severe allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock, but they are not as prevalent as infections in causing shock in this age group.

4. Which is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the child with acute glomerulonephritis?

• A. Risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment
• B. Fluid volume deficit related to excessive losses
• C. Fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration
• D. Fluid volume excess related to fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a child with acute glomerulonephritis is fluid volume excess related to decreased plasma filtration. Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, leading to decreased plasma filtration and retention of fluid. This results in fluid volume excess rather than fluid deficit (choice B) or fluid accumulation in tissues and third spaces (choice D). The diagnosis of 'risk for injury related to malignant process and treatment' (choice A) is not directly related to the pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis.

5. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, a healthcare professional decides to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the healthcare provider. Below what apical pulse did the healthcare professional withhold the medication?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is an indicator to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication that affects the heart, and in pediatric patients, monitoring the pulse rate is crucial due to the risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate) as a potential side effect. In this case, an apical pulse of 90 beats/min or lower indicates a heart rate that may be too slow for a child of this age, warranting the withholding of digoxin and prompt notification of the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are not within the critical range specified for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child and would not necessitate withholding the medication.

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