Nursing Elites

1. What should be included in the nursing plan of care for a 6-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?

• A. Place the infant in a warm, dry environment.
• B. Allow parents and siblings to visit.
• C. Maintain standard and contact precautions.
• D. Administer prescribed antibiotics immediately.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Maintain standard and contact precautions. RSV is highly contagious, primarily spread through respiratory secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to implement infection control measures such as standard and contact precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to other patients, staff, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because warmth and dryness are not specific interventions for RSV; the focus should be on infection control. Choice B may increase the risk of exposing others to RSV, so limiting visitors is recommended. Choice D is unnecessary because RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

2. During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child’s reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. The child is repressing feelings for the parent.
• B. Routines have been established, and the child feels safe.
• C. The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.
• D. Behavior has improved because the child feels better physically.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.' This response indicates that the child is emotionally withdrawing due to the separation from the parent during hospitalization. Choice A is incorrect because the child's behavior does not necessarily suggest repressed feelings for the parent. Choice B is incorrect as feeling safe due to established routines does not fully explain the child's behavior. Choice D is incorrect because while feeling better physically may contribute to improved behavior, it does not address the emotional aspect of the child's reaction to the parent.

3. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Assessing for signs of dehydration is crucial in infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) because they are at high risk due to frequent vomiting. Dehydration can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority assessments for HPS. While the quality of the cry can provide some information on the infant's distress level, dehydration assessment takes precedence. Coughing up feedings may not be specific to HPS, and characteristics of the stool, although important in general assessments, are not the priority in this situation.

4. The nurse closely monitors the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The purpose of this assessment is to detect an early sign of which possible complication?

• A. infection
• B. hypertension
• C. encephalopathy
• D. edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is crucial to detect early signs of infection. Infection is a common complication in nephrotic syndrome, and fever can be an early indicator. Hypertension (choice B) is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. Encephalopathy (choice C) is a neurological complication and would present with altered mental status rather than a change in temperature. Edema (choice D) is a common symptom of nephrotic syndrome but is not typically monitored through temperature assessment.

5. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitoring for signs of infection
• B. Providing nutritional support
• C. Monitoring for signs of bleeding
• D. Monitoring for signs of pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with leukemia receiving chemotherapy is monitoring for signs of infection. Chemotherapy can suppress the immune system, putting the child at a higher risk of developing infections. Early detection of signs of infection is crucial to prevent serious complications and initiate timely treatment. Providing nutritional support is important for overall health but is not the priority when the child is at risk of infection. Monitoring for signs of bleeding is essential, but infection surveillance takes precedence due to the immediate threat it poses to the child's health. Monitoring for signs of pain is important for comfort but is not the priority over infection prevention and management.

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