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 is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider if a child presents with suspected meningitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics immediately
• B. Perform a lumbar puncture
• C. Isolate the child
• D. Obtain a complete blood count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isolating the child is a priority to prevent the spread of infection until meningitis is confirmed or ruled out. Meningitis, particularly bacterial, is highly contagious and can lead to outbreaks if not properly managed. Isolation and prompt treatment are critical in preventing serious complications. Administering antibiotics immediately without confirmation of the diagnosis can be harmful if the cause is viral or non-infectious. Performing a lumbar puncture is a diagnostic procedure that should be done by a healthcare provider but is not the initial action when suspecting meningitis. Obtaining a complete blood count may be part of the diagnostic workup but is not the most appropriate initial action in suspected meningitis.

3. The nurse is preparing to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) to a child who has a fever. What nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Retake the temperature in 15 minutes after giving the Tylenol.
• B. Place a warm blanket on the child so chilling does not occur.
• C. Check to be sure the Tylenol dose does not exceed 15 mg/kg.
• D. Use cold compresses instead of Tylenol to control the fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring the dose does not exceed 15 mg/kg is critical to avoid overdose and potential liver damage. Retaking the temperature immediately or using cold compresses is not necessary, and placing a warm blanket could exacerbate the fever.

4. A 2-year-old child has a chronic history of constipation and is brought to the clinic for evaluation. What should the therapeutic plan initially include?

• A. Bowel cleansing
• B. Dietary modification
• C. Structured toilet training
• D. Behavior modification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dietary modification is often the first step in managing chronic constipation in children, focusing on increasing fiber and fluid intake. Other interventions like bowel cleansing and toilet training may follow if dietary changes are insufficient.

5. Two 3-year-old clients are playing together in a hospital playroom. One is working on a puzzle, while the other is stacking blocks. Which type of play is this?

• A. Cooperative play
• B. Solitary play
• C. Parallel play
• D. Associative play

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, parallel play. Parallel play is observed when children play alongside each other but do not directly interact. In this scenario, each child is engaged in their own activity without engaging or influencing each other's play, which characterizes parallel play. Cooperative play (choice A) involves children playing together towards a common goal, which is not evident in the given situation. Solitary play (choice B) is when a child plays alone, unrelated to the presence of others. Associative play (choice D) involves more interaction and sharing of toys between children, which is not happening in the described play scenario.

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