Nursing Elites

1. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

2. What procedure is most appropriate for the assessment of an abdominal circumference related to a bowel obstruction?

• A. Measuring the abdomen after feedings
• B. Marking the point of measurement with a pen
• C. Measuring the circumference at the symphysis pubis
• D. Using a new tape measure with each assessment to ensure accuracy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Marking the point of measurement ensures consistent and accurate assessments of abdominal circumference, especially important in conditions like bowel obstruction where changes need to be monitored closely.

3. What is a key distinguishing feature of bronchiolitis in infants?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Wheezing
• C. Stridor
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wheezing. Wheezing is a key distinguishing feature of bronchiolitis in infants, typically caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Bronchiolitis is characterized by inflammation and mucus buildup in the small airways of the lungs, leading to wheezing sounds during breathing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dry cough, stridor, and productive cough are not typical features of bronchiolitis in infants.

4. The nurse is administering activated charcoal to a preschool child with acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning. What potential complications from the use of activated charcoal should the nurse plan to assess for?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Vomiting
• C. All are correct
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Common complications of activated charcoal administration include diarrhea and vomiting. Intestinal obstruction can occur if the charcoal forms a mass in the intestines. Fluid retention is less likely and not typically a complication associated with activated charcoal.

5. The nurse is caring for a child with an order of Ampicillin 250 mg IV in 30 mL of Normal Saline to infuse over 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the pump?

• A. 60
• B. 30
• C. 120
• D. 15

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct setting for the infusion pump should be 60 mL/hour to deliver 30 mL in 30 minutes. To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hour, divide the total volume to be infused (30 mL) by the total time for infusion (30 minutes) and then multiply by 60 to convert minutes to hours. Therefore, 30 mL / 30 minutes * 60 minutes/hour = 60 mL/hour. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match the calculation based on the given parameters.

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