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 common significant side effect of opioid administration?

• A. Euphoria
• B. Diuresis
• C. Constipation
• D. Allergic reactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Constipation is one of the most common side effects of opioid administration due to the slowing down of gastrointestinal motility. Opioids affect the bowel movements, leading to constipation. Euphoria, while a possible effect, is less common than constipation. Diuresis is not a typical side effect of opioids; instead, urinary retention may occur. Allergic reactions are rare side effects of opioids, with symptoms such as rash, itching, or anaphylaxis.

3. You are providing a home health care assessment for a very low-income mother with three young children under 5 who all appear to be at nutritional risk. Which program would you refer them to in an attempt to reduce the risk and safeguard the health of this family?

• A. Division of Maternal and Child Health
• B. Medicaid
• C. Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children
• D. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). WIC provides nutritional assistance to low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children under 5. The Division of Maternal and Child Health (Choice A) focuses on promoting the health of mothers and children but does not provide direct nutritional assistance. Medicaid (Choice B) is a health insurance program for low-income individuals but does not specifically address nutritional needs. The State Children’s Health Insurance Program (Choice D) provides health insurance for children in low-income families but does not offer nutritional support like WIC does.

4. An infant is brought to the emergency department with the following clinical manifestations: poor skin turgor, weight loss, lethargy, tachycardia, and tachypnea. This is suggestive of which situation?

• A. Water excess
• B. Sodium excess
• C. Water depletion
• D. Potassium excess

Correct answer: C

Rationale: These symptoms are indicative of dehydration or water depletion, which is common in infants and can rapidly lead to severe consequences if not addressed promptly.

5. The nurse is planning an educational session with a group of school-age children. Which primary task from Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development should be addressed?

• A. Establishing trust in others
• B. Developing a sense of autonomy
• C. Developing a sense of industry
• D. Establishing a sense of identity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, school-age children typically focus on developing a sense of industry. This stage, occurring during middle childhood, involves the desire to feel competent and productive in their skills and abilities. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because establishing trust in others (A) is related to the first stage of Erikson's theory (trust vs. mistrust) which occurs in infancy, developing a sense of autonomy (B) is linked to the second stage (autonomy vs. shame and doubt) which occurs in early childhood, and establishing a sense of identity (D) is associated with the fifth stage (identity vs. role confusion) which occurs in adolescence.

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