Nursing Elites

1. A 9-week-old infant is scheduled for cleft lip repair. Which information is most important for the nurse to convey to the surgeon before transporting the infant to the surgical suite?

• A. Red blood cell count of 2.3 million/mm³
• B. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds since birth
• D. Urine specific gravity is 1.011

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, which could pose risks during surgery. Anemia can affect oxygen delivery to tissues, impacting wound healing and overall surgical outcomes. The other options, such as white blood cell count, weight gain, and urine specific gravity, are less critical for immediate surgical considerations. White blood cell count is more related to infection risk postoperatively rather than immediate surgical risk. Weight gain reflects good overall growth but does not impact the immediate surgical situation. Urine specific gravity is more indicative of hydration status rather than immediate surgical risk.

2. The nurse is providing care for a 12-year-old child who was recently diagnosed with scoliosis. The child’s parent asks about treatment options. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Scoliosis can be corrected with exercises and physical therapy.
• B. Bracing is often recommended to prevent further curvature of the spine.
• C. Surgery is usually necessary for all cases of scoliosis.
• D. There is no effective treatment for scoliosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Bracing is commonly used in moderate cases of scoliosis to prevent progression of the spinal curvature. Choice A is incorrect because exercises and physical therapy can help manage scoliosis but may not correct it. Choice C is incorrect as surgery is usually reserved for severe cases of scoliosis that do not respond to other treatments. Choice D is incorrect because there are effective treatments available for scoliosis, such as bracing, and surgery when necessary.

3. A 7-year-old is admitted to the hospital with persistent vomiting, and a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent suction is applied. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours.
• B. Shift intake of 640 mL IV fluids plus 30 mL PO ice chips.
• C. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L.
• D. Serum pH of 7.45.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is significantly low and indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for immediate intervention. The other findings are not as critical in this situation. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours may be expected in a patient with persistent vomiting. The shift intake of IV fluids and ice chips indicates fluid replacement, which is important but not as urgent as correcting electrolyte imbalances. A serum pH of 7.45 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

4. The mother of a 9-month-old, diagnosed with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) yesterday, calls the clinic to inquire if it will be all right to take her infant to the first birthday party of a friend's child the following day. What response should the nurse provide this mother?

• A. The child will no longer be contagious, so no need to take any further precautions.
• B. Ensure there are no children under the age of 6 months around the infected child.
• C. The child can be around other children but should wear a mask at all times.
• D. Do not expose other children to RSV. It is highly contagious even without direct contact.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. RSV is highly contagious, even without direct contact. It is important to prevent the spread of the virus to other children, so the infected child should not attend the birthday party to avoid exposing other children to RSV. This is crucial to protect the health of other children who may be more vulnerable to the virus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect as RSV remains contagious for a period of time, and precautions should be taken to prevent its spread. Choice B is incorrect because the age limit specified is not a reliable measure to prevent transmission. Choice C is incorrect as wearing a mask may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of RSV in a social setting like a birthday party.

5. The caregiver is caring for a 10-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections. The parents are concerned about their child’s hearing and speech development. What is the caregiver’s best response?

• A. Let’s schedule a hearing test and refer to a speech therapist if needed
• B. Most children outgrow ear infections and speech delays
• C. There is no need to worry unless the infections persist into adolescence
• D. Your child’s hearing and speech should be normal by now

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate response for the caregiver is to address the parents' concerns by suggesting scheduling a hearing test and potentially referring the child to a speech therapist if necessary. This proactive approach can help evaluate and support the child's hearing and speech development effectively. Choice B is incorrect as assuming that most children outgrow ear infections and speech delays may overlook potential issues that need intervention. Choice C is wrong because waiting until adolescence to address concerns may lead to missed opportunities for early intervention. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the parents' valid concerns without offering a solution or further evaluation.

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