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 a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Prolonged jaundice
• D. Excessive crying

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prolonged jaundice is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like jaundice, poor feeding, constipation, and lethargy. While jaundice itself is a common condition in newborns, the term 'prolonged jaundice' specifically points towards the underlying thyroid issue. Hypothermia and excessive crying are not typically associated with congenital hypothyroidism.

3. A father calls the clinic because he found his young daughter squirting Visine eyedrops into her mouth. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Reassure the father that Visine is harmless.
• B. Direct him to seek immediate medical treatment.
• C. Recommend inducing vomiting with ipecac.
• D. Advise him to dilute Visine by giving his daughter several glasses of water to drink.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Visine is not harmless when ingested, and immediate medical treatment is necessary due to the risk of toxicity. Vomiting should not be induced without medical advice, and dilution with water is not an appropriate treatment.

4. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

• A. Renal function is not fully developed
• B. Flexed posture favors heat loss
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment
• D. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat provides excellent insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newborns have a large surface area relative to their body weight, making them more susceptible to heat loss and requiring careful thermoregulation. Choice A is incorrect because renal function is not directly related to thermoregulation. Choice B is incorrect because a flexed posture actually helps reduce heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the environment. Choice D is incorrect because neonates have limited subcutaneous fat, which contributes to their susceptibility to heat loss.

5. Following treatment for iron deficiency anemia, the physician orders lab tests. Which lab value would indicate an improvement in the child’s condition?

• A. Low hemoglobin
• B. Normal platelet count
• C. High reticulocyte count
• D. Low hematocrit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A high reticulocyte count indicates that the bone marrow is producing more red blood cells, which is a sign of recovery from anemia as the body replenishes its iron stores and increases hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin (Choice A) would indicate ongoing anemia rather than improvement. A normal platelet count (Choice B) and low hematocrit (Choice D) are not specific indicators of improvement in iron deficiency anemia.

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