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. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Slow respirations
• C. Warm, flushed skin
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

3. The nurse is caring for a child with sickle cell anemia with the following order: Morphine Sulfate 2 mg IV every 24 hours. Morphine Sulfate is available in 10 mg/1mL. How many mL should the nurse administer?

• A. 0.2 mL
• B. 0.5 mL
• C. 1 mL
• D. 2 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To administer 2 mg of Morphine Sulfate when the concentration is 10 mg/mL, the nurse should administer 0.2 mL (2 mg / 10 mg/mL = 0.2 mL). Choice B, 0.5 mL, is incorrect because it is the result of dividing 2 mg by 4 mg/mL instead of 10 mg/mL. Choice C, 1 mL, is incorrect as it would be the result of dividing 2 mg by 2 mg/mL. Choice D, 2 mL, is incorrect as it would be the result of dividing 2 mg by 1 mg/mL.

4. The clinic nurse is instructing parents about caring for a toddler with ascariasis (common roundworm). Which statement made by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will wash our hands often, especially after diaper changes
• B. We know that roundworm can be transmitted from person to person
• C. We will be sure to continue the nitazoxanide (Alinia) orally for 3 days
• D. We will bring a stool sample to the clinic for examination in 2 weeks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Roundworm (ascariasis) is typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated soil, not directly from person to person. This statement indicates a misunderstanding requiring clarification.

5. The nurse is teaching parents about expected language development for their 6-month-old infant. The nurse recognizes the parents understand the teaching if they make which statement?

• A. Our baby should comprehend the word no.
• B. Our baby knows the meaning of saying mama.
• C. Our baby should be able to say three to five words.
• D. Our baby should begin to combine syllables, such as dada.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: At 6 months, infants typically begin to combine syllables like "dada" or "mama," but they do not yet understand the meaning of these words.

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