Nursing Elites

1. A 6-year-old child comes to the school nurse reporting a sore throat, and the nurse verifies that the child has a fever and a red, inflamed throat. When a parent of the child arrives at school to take the child home, the nurse urges the parent to seek treatment. The nurse is aware that the causative agent may be beta-hemolytic streptococcus, and the illness may progress to inflamed joints and an infection in the heart. What illness is of most concern to the nurse?

• A. Tetanus
• B. Influenza
• C. Scarlet fever
• D. Rheumatic fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can develop as a complication of untreated strep throat caused by beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is characterized by inflamed joints and can lead to serious complications such as heart infections. Tetanus (choice A) is caused by a bacterial toxin affecting the nervous system, Influenza (choice B) is a viral respiratory illness, and Scarlet fever (choice C) is also caused by streptococcus but is characterized by a sandpaper-like rash and strawberry tongue. However, in the scenario described, the nurse is most concerned about the child developing rheumatic fever due to the potential serious consequences associated with it.

2. During a clinical conference with a group of nursing students, the instructor is describing burn classification. The instructor determines that the teaching has been successful when the group identifies what as characteristic of full-thickness burns?

• A. Skin that is reddened, dry, and slightly swollen
• B. Skin appearing wet with significant pain
• C. Skin with blistering and swelling
• D. Skin that is leathery and dry with some numbness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Full-thickness burns are characterized by a leathery, dry appearance with numbness due to nerve damage. Choice A describes characteristics of superficial burns, which are not full-thickness. Choice B describes characteristics of partial-thickness burns with intact blisters, not full-thickness burns. Choice C describes characteristics of partial-thickness burns with blistering and swelling, not full-thickness burns.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often considered the last sign of heart failure in infants and children. It indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are early signs of heart failure due to inadequate cardiac output. Periorbital edema, while a sign of excess fluid, typically occurs earlier in the progression of heart failure compared to peripheral edema.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is planning an initial home care visit to a mother who gave birth to a high-risk infant. For what time of day should the nurse schedule the visit to be most productive?

• A. When the husband is out of the home.
• B. At a time when the mother is feeding the infant.
• C. At a time that is convenient for the family.
• D. When the nurse can spend time with the family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Scheduling the visit at a time that is convenient for the family is crucial for ensuring the family's receptiveness and availability, making the visit more productive. Choosing a time when the mother is feeding the infant (choice B) may not necessarily align with the family's overall convenience and may disrupt the feeding routine. Similarly, scheduling the visit when the husband is out of the home (choice A) might not be optimal as it may exclude an important family member and potentially impact the support system. While spending time with the family (choice D) is important, the primary focus should be on accommodating the family's schedule to maximize the effectiveness of the visit.

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