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 goal in the treatment of a child with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Decrease urine output
• B. Increase serum albumin
• C. Reduce proteinuria
• D. Increase blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal in treating nephrotic syndrome in children is to reduce proteinuria. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, leading to hypoalbuminemia and edema. By reducing proteinuria, kidney damage can be minimized, and symptoms can be managed effectively. Decreasing urine output (Choice A) is not the primary goal, as it does not address the underlying issue of protein loss. Increasing serum albumin (Choice B) is a consequence of reducing proteinuria rather than the primary goal. Increasing blood pressure (Choice D) is not a goal in treating nephrotic syndrome and may even be contraindicated to prevent further kidney damage.

3. The nurse is admitting a child with severe isotonic dehydration. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate the doctor to order initially to replace fluids?

• A. 0.9% normal saline
• B. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline
• C. D5W
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of severe isotonic dehydration, the initial fluid of choice is 0.9% normal saline. This solution is preferred because it helps to restore both fluids and electrolytes effectively. Options B, C, and D are not suitable for the initial management of severe isotonic dehydration. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline (Choice B) is a hypotonic solution and might worsen the imbalance. D5W (Choice C) is a hypotonic solution that does not contain electrolytes essential for rehydration. Albumin (Choice D) is a colloid solution used for specific indications like hypoproteinemia or hypoalbuminemia, not for initial rehydration in severe dehydration.

4. What term is appropriate terminology to use for an infant whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth charts?

• A. Postterm
• B. Postmature
• C. Low birth weight
• D. Small for gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Small for gestational age.' A small for gestational age, or small-for-date, infant is any child whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth curves. Choices A and B, 'Postterm' and 'Postmature,' refer to infants born after 42 weeks of gestational age regardless of birth weight, and do not specifically address growth rate. Choice C, 'Low birth weight,' refers to infants with a birth weight less than 2500 g (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age, which is a different classification compared to being small for gestational age.

5. The nurse is teaching a parent with a 2-month-old infant who has been diagnosed with colic about ways to relieve colic. Which statement by the parent indicates the need for additional teaching?

• A. I should let my infant cry for at least 30 minutes before I respond.
• B. I will swaddle my infant tightly with a soft blanket.
• C. I should massage my infant's abdomen whenever possible.
• D. I will place my infant in an upright seat after feeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Letting an infant cry for prolonged periods can exacerbate colic and increase the infant's distress. It is better to respond promptly to soothe the baby. Other methods like swaddling, gentle massage, and keeping the infant upright can help relieve colic symptoms.

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