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 primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn?

• A. Cyanosis
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Absent breath sounds
• D. Tachypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Absent breath sounds on the affected side are a primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Cyanosis, bradycardia, and tachypnea may also be present but are not the primary symptom. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation, bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, and tachypnea is rapid breathing.

3. The nurse is caring for a child with Meckel diverticulum. What type of stool does the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Steatorrhea
• B. Clay-colored
• C. Currant jelly-like
• D. Loose stools with undigested food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Currant jelly-like stools, which contain blood and mucus, are characteristic of Meckel diverticulum. This symptom occurs due to the bleeding from the ectopic gastric mucosa present in the diverticulum. Steatorrhea (choice A) is not typically associated with Meckel diverticulum. Clay-colored stools (choice B) are seen in conditions affecting the biliary system. Loose stools with undigested food (choice D) may indicate malabsorption issues, but it is not specifically linked to Meckel diverticulum.

4. What is the purpose of using cimetidine (Tagamet) for gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. The medication reduces gastric acid secretion.
• B. The medication neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
• C. The medication increases the rate of gastric emptying time.
• D. The medication coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing gastric acid secretion. This action helps to decrease the acidity in the stomach, which in turn reduces the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Choice B is incorrect because cimetidine does not neutralize acid but rather decreases its production. Choice C is incorrect as cimetidine does not affect the rate of gastric emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as cimetidine does not coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus but instead works to reduce gastric acid secretion.

5. A 14-month-old child is admitted to the hospital with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB). Which assessment findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Cyanosis and dyspnea
• B. Productive cough and high fever
• C. Barking cough and inspiratory stridor
• D. Pale laryngeal and dyspnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Barking cough and inspiratory stridor.' Classic signs of laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB) include a barking cough, often described as a seal-like cough, and inspiratory stridor, which is a high-pitched sound heard during inspiration. These symptoms occur due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical assessment findings of LTB. Cyanosis and dyspnea (Choice A) may occur in severe cases but are not specific to LTB. Productive cough and high fever (Choice B) are more indicative of lower respiratory tract infections. Pale laryngeal and dyspnea (Choice D) are not characteristic findings of LTB.

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