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. An adolescent states, “I want to be a doctor or a lawyer when I grow up because I like taking care of people.” Which Eriksonian challenge is the adolescent attempting?

• A. Identity vs. role diffusion
• B. Trust vs. mistrust
• C. Industry vs. inferiority
• D. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Identity vs. role diffusion. During adolescence, individuals face the challenge of forming a cohesive sense of self and identity. In this scenario, the adolescent's desire to become a doctor or lawyer reflects the exploration of potential roles and career paths, indicating an attempt to establish a clear identity. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Trust vs. mistrust is a challenge experienced in infancy, industry vs. inferiority is relevant to the school-age period, and autonomy vs. shame and doubt is associated with the toddler stage, not adolescence.

3. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old African American child whose height and weight are at the 20th percentile on the growth chart. What should the nurse recognize?

• A. The data suggest the child requires nutritional intervention
• B. The NCHS charts are accurate for U.S. African American children
• C. A correction factor is used for nonwhite ethnic groups
• D. No assessment can be made until several measurements are plotted over time

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The NCHS growth charts serve as reference guides for all racial or ethnic groups, including African American children. The 20th percentile for height and weight does not indicate nutritional failure but provides a reference point for ongoing assessment. Choice A is incorrect because being at the 20th percentile does not automatically imply the need for nutritional intervention. Choice C is incorrect as there is no correction factor specifically used for nonwhite ethnic groups in this context. Choice D is incorrect as a single measurement at the 20th percentile can provide valuable information for assessment.

4. What is a priority intervention for an infant with a temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Teaching how to irrigate the colostomy
• B. Protecting the skin around the colostomy
• C. Discussing the implications of a colostomy during puberty
• D. Using simple, straightforward language to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protecting the skin around the colostomy is crucial to prevent irritation and infection, which are common complications in infants with colostomies. Teaching and discussing long-term implications are important but secondary to immediate skin care needs.

5. 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.

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