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. Clinical manifestations of sodium excess (hypernatremia) include which signs or symptoms?

• A. Hyperreflexia
• B. Abdominal cramps
• C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
• D. Dry, sticky mucous membranes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypernatremia often presents with dry, sticky mucous membranes due to dehydration. Hyperreflexia and abdominal cramps may also occur, but dry mucous membranes are more consistently observed in cases of sodium excess.

3. A 12-year-old girl has recently begun menstruating and is well into puberty. The child is visiting the health care provider today for a routine physical examination. Which finding should cause concern in the nurse?

• A. Breasts of slightly different sizes
• B. Irregular periods
• C. Vulvar irritation
• D. Supernumerary nipple

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vulvar irritation may indicate an infection or other issues and should be further evaluated. In a pubescent girl, breasts of slightly different sizes and irregular periods are common variations of normal development. Supernumerary nipple, an extra nipple, is a benign condition that is not typically concerning during puberty.

4. The nurse is caring for a child with a urinary tract infection who is on trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim). What side effects of this medication should the nurse teach to the parents and the child? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Rash
• B. Urticaria
• C. All are applicable
• D. Photosensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) can cause side effects like rash, urticaria, and photosensitivity. Parents and the child should be educated on these potential side effects to ensure prompt recognition and management.

5. The nurse is planning care for a patient with a different ethnic background. Which should be an appropriate goal?

• A. Adapt, as necessary, ethnic practices to health needs
• B. Attempt, in a nonjudgmental way, to change ethnic beliefs
• C. Encourage continuation of ethnic practices in the hospital setting
• D. Strive to keep ethnic background from influencing health needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adapting ethnic practices to health needs respects the patient's cultural background while ensuring that care is effective and culturally sensitive.

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