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. A child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. What is the priority need that must be included in the nursing plan of care for this child?

• A. Rest
• B. Exercise
• C. Nutrition
• D. Elimination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Rest. When a child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia, the priority need in the nursing plan of care is to ensure adequate rest. Rest is crucial as it allows the child's body to fight the infection and recover. Choice B, Exercise, would not be appropriate as the child needs rest to conserve energy and promote healing. Choice C, Nutrition, is important for overall health but may not be the immediate priority when the child is acutely ill with pneumonia. Choice D, Elimination, is important but is not the priority need in this scenario compared to ensuring rest to aid recovery from pneumonia.

3. The nurse is assessing a child with a possible fracture. What would the nurse identify as the most reliable indicator?

• A. Lack of spontaneous movement
• B. Point tenderness
• C. Bruising
• D. Inability to bear weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Point tenderness is the most reliable indicator of a possible fracture in a child. It is a localized tenderness experienced when pressure is applied to a specific area, suggesting a potential fracture. This tenderness is considered more specific to a fracture than other symptoms such as lack of spontaneous movement, bruising, or inability to bear weight. Lack of spontaneous movement and inability to bear weight can be present in various musculoskeletal injuries, while bruising may not always be immediate or specific to a fracture.

4. A child with a diagnosis of asthma is being cared for by a nurse. What is an important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Encouraging physical activity
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is a crucial nursing intervention for a child with asthma because it helps to open the airways and ease breathing during an asthma attack. Bronchodilators are medications that work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier for the child to breathe. Encouraging physical activity may exacerbate asthma symptoms in some cases due to increased respiratory effort and exposure to triggers. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but does not address the immediate need of opening the airways during an asthma episode. Providing nutritional support is essential for overall health but is not the primary intervention needed in managing an acute asthma exacerbation.

5. A mother confides to the nurse that she is thinking of divorce. Which suggestion by the nurse would help minimize the effects on the child?

• A. Tell the child together using appropriate terms.
• B. Reassure the child that no one loves him more than his parents.
• C. Engage in special activities with the child to compensate for the divorce.
• D. Keep your feelings to yourself and maintain a positive facade with the child.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In situations of divorce, it is crucial for both parents to inform the child together using age-appropriate language. This approach helps maintain consistency and clarity for the child, reducing confusion and anxiety. Choice B is incorrect because reassurance should not be solely focused on love but on explaining the situation appropriately. Choice C may inadvertently send the message that the divorce is the child's fault or requires compensation. Choice D is incorrect as children benefit from understanding and processing emotions in a healthy manner, rather than having them kept hidden.

Similar Questions