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 breastfed infant is being seen in the clinic for a 6-month checkup. The mother tells the nurse that the infant recently began to suck her thumb. Which is the best nursing intervention?

• A. Reassure the mother that this is normal at this age
• B. Recommend the mother substitute a pacifier for her thumb
• C. Assess the infant for other signs of sensory deprivation
• D. Suggest the mother breastfeed the infant more often to satisfy her sucking needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thumb sucking is a normal self-soothing behavior in infants and usually does not indicate a problem. Reassuring the mother that this is normal is the appropriate response.

3. For a child with Kawasaki disease, which symptom is most indicative of the acute phase?

• A. Strawberry tongue
• B. Joint pain
• C. Rash
• D. Peeling skin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Strawberry tongue. In Kawasaki disease, a 'strawberry tongue' is most indicative of the acute phase. This refers to the tongue appearing red and swollen with enlarged fungiform papillae, giving it a strawberry-like appearance. Joint pain (Choice B) is more commonly associated with other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Rash (Choice C) and peeling skin (Choice D) are also seen in Kawasaki disease but are not as specific to the acute phase as the presence of a strawberry tongue.

4. Pretending a sheet is a cape to mimic a superhero is characteristic of which childhood phenomenon?

• A. Artificialism
• B. Symbolic functioning
• C. Critical thinking
• D. Dramatic play

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, symbolic functioning. Symbolic functioning refers to children using objects, actions, or ideas to represent other objects, actions, or ideas. In this scenario, pretending a sheet is a cape to mimic a superhero demonstrates the child's ability to engage in symbolic play. Choice A, artificialism, is incorrect as it refers to the belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities. Choice C, critical thinking, does not directly relate to the imaginative play described in the question. Choice D, dramatic play, is close but not as precise as symbolic functioning, which specifically highlights the use of objects to represent something else.

5. If the needs of the infant are met in a loving, consistent manner, the infant will develop a sense of:

• A. Trust
• B. Love
• C. Independence
• D. Responsibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trust. According to Erikson's psychosocial development theory, when infants receive consistent and loving care, they develop trust. This trust forms the basis of the first stage of psychosocial development, known as Trust vs. Mistrust. Trust is essential for healthy social and emotional development. Choice B, Love, is incorrect as it is more of an emotion than a developmental stage. Choice C, Independence, typically occurs later in development during Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage. Choice D, Responsibility, is also not the correct answer as it relates more to later stages of development where individuals develop a sense of duty and obligation.

Similar Questions