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. A preschool-age boy presents to the outpatient clinic for a sore throat. In the child’s mind, which is the most likely cause for the sore throat?

• A. Being exposed to a classmate with strep throat
• B. Not eating the right foods
• C. Not taking daily vitamins
• D. Yelling at sibling for being annoying

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Preschool-age children often attribute illness to their actions, like yelling at a sibling or not following instructions. They may not understand medical causes such as exposure to infections like strep throat (choice A), dietary factors (choice B), or vitamin deficiencies (choice C). It is common for young children to connect symptoms to recent behaviors or events within their limited understanding.

3. What amount of fluid loss occurs with moderate dehydration?

• A. <50 ml/kg
• B. 50 to 90 ml/kg
• C. <5% total body weight
• D. >15% total body weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Moderate dehydration is typically defined as a loss of 50 to 90 mL/kg of body weight. This amount reflects significant fluid loss that requires medical attention but is not yet severe.

4. The child is admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation?

• A. Place the child in the Trendelenburg position.
• B. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
• C. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort.
• D. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the child to assume a position of comfort is appropriate as it helps alleviate discomfort without the risk of complications. Placing the child in the Trendelenburg position could increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen the condition. Applying moist heat may lead to vasodilation and potential perforation in case of appendicitis. Administering a saline enema can be harmful if the appendix is inflamed or perforated.

5. What is the most frequent cause of hypovolemic shock in children?

• A. Sepsis
• B. Blood loss
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Heart failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypovolemic shock in children is most frequently caused by blood loss, which can result from trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Sepsis and anaphylaxis can lead to different types of shock (septic and anaphylactic), and heart failure is related to cardiogenic shock.

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