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. The parents of a 4-month-old infant tell the nurse that they are getting a microwave oven and will be able to heat the baby’s formula faster. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Heat only 8 oz or more.
• B. Do not heat a plastic bottle in a microwave oven.
• C. Leave the bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape.
• D. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heating formula in a plastic bottle in the microwave can cause uneven heating and release harmful chemicals from the plastic.

3. The nurse is caring for an infant after a cleft lip repair. Which of these measures should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Position prone
• B. Provide fluids from a cup
• C. Position supine
• D. Avoid elbow restraints

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct measure that should be included in the plan of care for an infant after a cleft lip repair is to position the infant supine. Placing the infant in a supine position helps protect the surgical site from injury and promotes proper healing. Choice A, 'Position prone,' is incorrect as placing the infant prone can put pressure on the surgical site and hinder healing. Choice B, 'Provide fluids from a cup,' is not directly related to the surgical care of a cleft lip repair. Choice D, 'Avoid elbow restraints,' is not specific to the postoperative care of a cleft lip repair.

4. In which type of cancer are the urinary excretion of the breakdown products of catecholamines, especially vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA), detected?

• A. Neuroblastoma
• B. Nephroblastoma
• C. Leukemia
• D. Osteosarcoma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma, a cancer that arises from nerve tissue, is associated with increased levels of catecholamine metabolites, including VMA and HVA, in the urine. Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) is a type of kidney cancer and is not typically associated with elevated levels of catecholamine breakdown products. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and does not lead to increased VMA and HVA excretion in urine. Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer and is not linked to elevated levels of catecholamine metabolites in the urine.

5. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate when assessing a child for hypoglycemia?

• A. Lethargy
• B. Thirst
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Shaky feeling and dizziness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Shaky feeling and dizziness.' Hypoglycemia in children often presents with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, sweating, hunger, and irritability. These symptoms occur because the brain and body are deprived of the glucose they need to function properly. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lethargy, thirst, nausea, and vomiting are not typically primary manifestations of hypoglycemia in children.

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