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. A 5-year-old is hospitalized with a fractured femur. Which pain assessment tool is appropriate for this child?

• A. CRIES Scale
• B. Faces Pain Rating Scale
• C. SUN Scale
• D. NIPS Scale

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Faces Pain Rating Scale is appropriate for assessing pain in children who can express their feelings visually. For a 5-year-old child who can communicate effectively, using a tool like the Faces Pain Rating Scale, which uses facial expressions to indicate pain levels, is more suitable than the CRIES Scale (used for neonates), the SUN Scale (used for infants), or the NIPS Scale (used for preterm and term newborns).

3. Why is knowledge of developmental theories useful for the nurse?

• A. Allows the nurse to know exactly what to do when caring for pediatric patients
• B. Is predictable and aids in controlling the child’s development
• C. Is a set of facts that each child follows in a prescribed method
• D. Provides a framework to guide the nurse in caring for the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Understanding developmental theories helps nurses anticipate and plan appropriate care based on the child’s developmental stage. Choice A is incorrect because developmental theories provide a framework but do not dictate exact actions. Choice B is incorrect as developmental processes are not entirely predictable and are not meant to control a child’s development. Choice C is incorrect as developmental theories are not a strict set of facts that all children follow in a prescribed manner, but rather guidelines for understanding and supporting a child's growth and development.

4. The nurse is selecting a site to begin an intravenous infusion on a 2-year-old child. The superficial veins on his hand and arm are not readily visible. What intervention should increase the visibility of these veins?

• A. Gently tap over the site.
• B. Apply a cold compress to the site.
• C. Raise the extremity above the level of the body
• D. Use a rubber band as a tourniquet for 5 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gently tapping over the site helps dilate the veins and increase visibility. Applying a cold compress or raising the extremity above the body level constricts the veins, making them harder to access. Prolonged tourniquet use can cause discomfort and venous congestion.

5. The parent of an 8.2-kg (18-lb) 9-month-old infant is borrowing a federally approved car seat from the clinic. The nurse should explain that the safest way to put in the car seat is what?

• A. Front facing in back seat
• B. Rear facing in back seat
• C. Front facing in front seat with air bag on passenger side
• D. Rear facing in front seat if an air bag is on the passenger side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Infants should be placed rear-facing in the back seat until they are at least 2 years old or exceed the weight/height limit of their car seat for optimal safety.

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