Nursing Elites

1. A 3-month-old is hospitalized with a fractured femur. The pain assessment tool most appropriate for this child is the:

• A. FLACC scale.
• B. Poker chip tool.
• C. Number scale.
• D. Visual analog scale.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The FLACC scale is a validated pain assessment tool suitable for infants and young children, including 3-month-olds. It assesses pain based on five categories: Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Since infants cannot communicate their pain verbally, the FLACC scale is effective in evaluating pain by observing these behavioral indicators. The other options, such as the Poker chip tool, Number scale, and Visual analog scale, are not specifically designed for infants and may not provide accurate pain assessment in this age group.

2. The healthcare provider assesses the newborn's ears to be parallel to the outer and inner canthus of the eye. The healthcare provider documents this finding to be which of the following?

• A. A normal position
• B. A possible chromosomal abnormality
• C. Facial paralysis
• D. Prematurity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the top of the ear (pinna) is parallel to the outer and inner canthus of the eye, it is considered a normal position in a newborn. This alignment is an important assessment to ensure normal development and anatomy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parallel alignment of the ears to the outer and inner canthus of the eye is not indicative of a possible chromosomal abnormality, facial paralysis, or prematurity. It is simply a normal anatomical finding in a newborn.

3. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and administer supplemental oxygen. En route to the hospital, you should be MOST alert for:

• A. hypotension.
• B. combativeness.
• C. convulsions.
• D. respiratory distress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 7-year-old child with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, the most critical concern is the potential for convulsions. These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a febrile seizure or another type of seizure activity. Monitoring for convulsions is crucial during transport to ensure prompt intervention if they occur, as seizures can lead to additional complications and require immediate management.

4. General guidelines when assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion include:

• A. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen.
• B. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination.
• C. examining the child in the parent's arms.
• D. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach can help maintain the child's comfort, keep them calm, and increase their cooperation during the assessment. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice A) can be distressing and uncomfortable for the child. Separating the child from the parent (Choice B) may cause additional stress and hinder the examination process. Palpating the painful area first (Choice D) can lead to increased discomfort and resistance from the child.

5. A child was brought to the emergency department with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and fruity-scented breath. The resident on duty diagnosed the child with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following should the nurse expect to administer?

• A. Potassium chloride IV infusion.
• B. Dextrose 5% IV infusion.
• C. Ringer's Lactate.
• D. Normal saline IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), there is a state of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Normal saline is the initial fluid of choice to help restore intravascular volume and improve electrolyte balance. It also helps to correct acidosis. Potassium chloride IV infusion is commonly added to the treatment regimen once kidney function is confirmed to prevent hypokalemia. Dextrose 5% IV infusion is not the first-line treatment for DKA as it can worsen hyperglycemia. Ringer's Lactate is not typically used as the initial fluid for managing DKA as it contains potassium and could worsen hyperkalemia.

Similar Questions