Nursing Elites

1. During a routine monthly examination, a 5-month-old infant is brought to the pediatric clinic. What assessment finding should alert the nurse to notify the health care provider immediately?

• A. Temperature of 99.5°F
• B. Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg
• C. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute in a 5-month-old infant is higher than the expected range and may indicate respiratory distress. This finding is concerning and should prompt the nurse to notify the health care provider for further evaluation and intervention. A temperature of 99.5°F, blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg, and heart rate of 100 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a 5-month-old infant. Elevated temperature may indicate a mild fever, which can be monitored. A blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg is within the normal range for infants. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute is also within the expected range for a 5-month-old infant and does not typically require immediate notification of the health care provider.

2. After a child has just returned from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?

• A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube
• B. Changing the tracheostomy dressing
• C. Monitoring respiratory status
• D. Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a child has undergone tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning is crucial to maintain a clear airway, remove secretions, and prevent potential airway obstruction, which is essential for the child's respiratory function. Changing the tracheostomy dressing, while important for wound care, does not take precedence over airway clearance. Monitoring respiratory status is vital but comes after ensuring airway patency. Ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure is significant for stabilizing the tube but is not as urgent as maintaining a patent airway through suctioning.

3. The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

• A. “This is a challenging age for your child right now.”
• B. “Could you elaborate on your challenges? I’m not clear on what you mean.”
• C. “It’s important to be consistent with toddlers when they need discipline.”
• D. “I understand your concern. This phase is often referred to as the 'terrible twos'.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring boundaries and learning what behaviors are acceptable. By being consistent, parents can help reinforce these boundaries and teach appropriate behaviors effectively. Choices A, B, and D do not provide specific guidance on how to address the discipline issue effectively. While acknowledging the challenges of this age (Choice A) and empathizing with the parents (Choice D) are important, the key point in this scenario is to highlight the significance of consistency in discipline (Choice C).

4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Administering chemotherapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preventing infection. When caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy, the top priority is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections. By implementing infection control measures such as hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, and environmental cleanliness, the nurse can help protect the child from potentially life-threatening infections. Administering chemotherapy (choice B) is important but not the priority over preventing infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) and monitoring fluid intake (choice D) are essential aspects of care but take a back seat to preventing infection in this scenario.

5. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child with Addison's disease. What would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased aldosterone production. This results in impaired sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia. Therefore, the correct answer is hyperkalemia (choice B). Hypernatremia (choice A) is less likely because of the loss of sodium in Addison's disease. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with Addison's disease and are less likely to be present in this condition.

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