Nursing Elites

1. A 9-month-old infant who is not sitting independently has been diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to see in the baby?

• A. Hypotonia and muscle instability
• B. Hypertonia and persistence of primitive reflexes
• C. Tremors and exaggerated posturing
• D. Hemiplegia and hypertonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In ataxic cerebral palsy, the characteristic features include hypotonia (low muscle tone) and muscle instability. These manifestations contribute to the infant's difficulty in achieving independent sitting. Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) and persistence of primitive reflexes, as mentioned in option B, are more commonly associated with other types of cerebral palsy like spastic CP. Tremors and exaggerated posturing (option C) are not typical features of ataxic CP. Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) and hypertonia (increased muscle tone) mentioned in option D are more commonly seen in other types of cerebral palsy, such as spastic CP.

2. Which menu choices for a child diagnosed with renal failure and experiencing hyperkalemia indicate the need for further instruction by the nurse?

• A. Carrots and green, leafy vegetables
• B. Spaghetti and meat sauce with breadsticks
• C. Hamburger on a bun and cherry gelatin
• D. Chips, cold cuts, and canned foods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carrots and green, leafy vegetables are high in potassium, which should be avoided in hyperkalemia. Therefore, this choice requires further instruction by the nurse to prevent exacerbating the child's condition.

3. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

4. As a result of opioid administration, a child's respirations are slow and shallow. Which should the nurse anticipate when assessing the child's arterial blood gas?

• A. Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis
• B. Decreased PCO2 and respiratory alkalosis
• C. Low pH and low PCO2
• D. High pH and high PCO2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child's respirations are slow and shallow due to opioid administration, it results in hypoventilation. This leads to retaining carbon dioxide, indicated by an increased PCO2 level on arterial blood gas analysis, and subsequently causes respiratory acidosis due to the buildup of CO2 in the blood. Therefore, choice A, 'Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because slow and shallow respirations would not lead to decreased PCO2 or respiratory alkalosis (choice B), low pH and low PCO2 (choice C), or high pH and high PCO2 (choice D).

5. During a developmental screening, a 4-year-old child is asked to perform a task. Which of the following tasks should the nurse expect the child to perform?

• A. Draw a stick figure with seven body parts
• B. Draw a circle
• C. Identify right from left hand
• D. Tie their shoelaces

Correct answer: B

Rationale: At 4 years old, children are typically able to draw a circle, which is a developmental milestone for their age. Drawing a stick figure with specific body parts might be beyond their developmental level, identifying right from left hand can be challenging, and tying shoelaces requires more advanced motor skills.

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