Nursing Elites

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

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.

2. A parent and 4-year-old child who recently emigrated from Colombia arrive at the pediatric clinic. The child has a temperature of 102°F, is irritable, and has a runny nose. Inspection reveals a rash and several small, red, irregularly shaped spots with blue-white centers in the mouth. What illness does the nurse suspect the child has?

• A. Measles
• B. Chickenpox
• C. Fifth disease
• D. Scarlet fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should suspect measles based on the symptoms described, including the presence of Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers in the mouth). Measles typically presents with fever, irritability, runny nose, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads downward. Chickenpox (choice B) presents with vesicular lesions in different stages of healing and usually starts on the trunk. Fifth disease (choice C) presents with a 'slapped cheek' rash on the face and can cause joint pain. Scarlet fever (choice D) is characterized by a sandpaper-like rash, fever, and strawberry tongue.

3. The father is being taught by a nurse how to stimulate his 7-year-old son who has a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. Which guidance will be most successful?

• A. Telling him to read stories to the child about famous athletes
• B. Suggesting he take the child to watch him play softball
• C. Urging him to sign the child up for little league football
• D. Proposing wrestling with the child and letting him win

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a child with a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament, it is important to choose activities that are less intense and allow for gradual engagement. Reading stories to the child about famous athletes would be the most successful approach as it is less active and more likely to be acceptable to the child's temperament. Choice B and C involve more active and potentially overwhelming activities, which may not suit the child's temperament. Choice D, proposing wrestling and letting the child win, might create a competitive environment that could be counterproductive for a 'slow-to-warm-up' child.

4. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m. her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

• A. Notifying the doctor immediately
• B. Applying ice
• C. Elevating the arm
• D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or giving additional pain medication may not address the underlying cause of the unrelenting pain, which could be a sign of a serious complication like compartment syndrome. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation to prevent potential complications.

5. What should be the priority action when caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis?

• A. Initiate measures to reduce fever.
• B. Ensure delivery of humidified oxygen.
• C. Provide support to reduce apprehension.
• D. Continually assess the respiratory status.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis, the priority action should be to continually assess the respiratory status. This is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory distress, such as worsening stridor or increased work of breathing. Prompt intervention can prevent further deterioration of the child's condition. Initiating measures to reduce fever (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority in this situation. Ensuring delivery of humidified oxygen (Choice B) is important for maintaining oxygenation but should follow the assessment of respiratory status. Providing support to reduce apprehension (Choice C) is also important for the child's comfort but is not the priority over assessing and managing respiratory distress.

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