Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and administer supplemental oxygen. En route to the hospital, you should be MOST alert for:

• A. hypotension.
• B. combativeness.
• C. convulsions.
• D. respiratory distress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 7-year-old child with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, the most critical concern is the potential for convulsions. These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a febrile seizure or another type of seizure activity. Monitoring for convulsions is crucial during transport to ensure prompt intervention if they occur, as seizures can lead to additional complications and require immediate management.

2. Which of the following is a sign of altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Fear of the EMT's presence.
• B. Recognition of the parents.
• C. Inattention to the EMT's presence.
• D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inattention to the EMT's presence is a sign of altered mental status in a small child. When a child is not responsive or does not acknowledge the presence of the EMT, it could indicate a change in their mental status. This lack of attention or awareness may signify a neurological issue or other medical condition affecting the child's cognitive function.

3. A new mother asks the nurse when she should begin to breastfeed her newborn. The nurse's best response is:

• A. Within the first half-hour after birth
• B. After the newborn's first bath
• C. When the newborn begins to cry
• D. After administering vitamin K

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Initiating breastfeeding within the first half-hour after birth is crucial for successful breastfeeding and bonding, as recommended by the World Health Organization. This early initiation helps establish breastfeeding and supports the newborn's health by providing colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk. Choice B, 'After the newborn's first bath,' is incorrect because initiating breastfeeding should not be delayed after birth. Choice C, 'When the newborn begins to cry,' is incorrect as it does not promote timely initiation of breastfeeding. Choice D, 'After administering vitamin K,' is incorrect because breastfeeding initiation should not be delayed for this procedure.

4. The nurse is planning the care of a hospitalized 4-year-old. The most appropriate technique the nurse can use to reduce the stress of hospitalization for this child is to:

• A. Encourage the child to discuss their feelings.
• B. Encourage peer visitation.
• C. Encourage the child to play with safe medical equipment.
• D. Read a story to the child.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the child to play with safe medical equipment is the most appropriate technique to reduce stress for a hospitalized child. This technique helps familiarize the child with medical equipment in a non-threatening way, empowering them to feel more in control of the environment. Options A, B, and D may be helpful but do not directly address the child's exposure and interaction with the hospital environment, making them less effective in reducing stress in this context.

5. A nurse provides medication instructions to a first-time mother. Which statement made by the mother indicates a need for further instructions?

• A. I should mix the medication in the baby food and give it when I feed the child
• B. I should administer the oral medication sitting in an upright position and with the head elevated
• C. I will give my child a toy after giving the medication
• D. I will offer my child a juice drink after swallowing the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mixing medication in baby food is not recommended as it can alter the taste and the child may refuse food.

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