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 recommended position for a child after a tonsillectomy?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Side-lying
• D. Fowler's position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Side-lying. The side-lying position is recommended after a tonsillectomy to facilitate drainage of secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration. This position helps prevent blood from pooling in the back of the throat, decreasing the chance of bleeding postoperatively. Supine (lying face up), while commonly used in other situations, may not be ideal immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from blood clots. Prone (lying face down) is not recommended as it can hinder breathing and increase the risk of complications. Fowler's position (semi-sitting) is also not typically used after a tonsillectomy because it may cause discomfort and hinder proper drainage.

3. Which pediatric disorder is associated with a 'boot-shaped' heart on a chest x-ray?

• A. Tetralogy of Fallot
• B. Transposition of the great arteries
• C. Coarctation of the aorta
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot is often associated with a 'boot-shaped' heart appearance on a chest x-ray due to the characteristic heart anatomy in this condition. This appearance is caused by the combination of pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Choice B, Transposition of the great arteries, is incorrect because it presents with a 'egg-on-a-string' appearance on x-ray due to the abnormal position of the aorta and pulmonary artery. Choice C, Coarctation of the aorta, typically presents with rib notching on x-ray. Choice D, Ventricular septal defect, does not produce the 'boot-shaped' heart appearance seen in Tetralogy of Fallot.

4. In pediatric patients, what is the primary concern with untreated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)?

• A. Recurrent UTIs
• B. Chronic renal failure
• C. Hypertension
• D. Bladder dysfunction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary concern with untreated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in pediatric patients is chronic renal failure. Untreated VUR can lead to this complication due to recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney damage. While recurrent UTIs (Choice A) are a common consequence of VUR, the ultimate worry is the development of chronic renal failure. Hypertension (Choice C) may occur as a result of renal damage but is not the primary concern. Bladder dysfunction (Choice D) is not the most significant consequence of untreated VUR in terms of long-term outcomes compared to chronic renal failure.

5. A new parent, when asked by a nurse, explains that the 4-month-old infant has been nursing regularly every 3 to 4 hours and seems satisfied. However, the parent recently introduced solid food in the form of unbuttered popcorn to the infant as a supplement. What should be the primary nursing concern in this situation?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition, more than body requirements, related to introduction of a high-calorie food
• B. Risk for aspiration related to feeding the infant an inappropriate food
• C. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements, related to introduction of a low-nutritive food
• D. Readiness for enhanced nutrition, related to the age of the infant

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary nursing concern in this situation is the risk for aspiration. Popcorn is a choking hazard for infants, as their airway is not fully developed to handle solid foods like popcorn. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the main focus should be on the immediate risk of aspiration due to the inappropriate solid food given to the infant, rather than on nutritional imbalances or readiness for enhanced nutrition.

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