Nursing Elites

1. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Platelets
• D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.

2. The nurse is aware that skin turgor best estimates what?

• A. Perfusion
• B. Adequate hydration
• C. Amount of body fat
• D. Amount of anemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Skin turgor is a quick and simple way to assess hydration status. Poor skin turgor can indicate dehydration.

3. At what age is the first dose of the hepatitis A vaccine recommended to be started?

• A. 1 year
• B. 1 month
• C. 12 years
• D. It is not recommended at any age

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 1 year. The hepatitis A vaccine is now recommended for all children starting at age 1 year (i.e., 12 to 23 months). This is due to the recognition of hepatitis A as a significant child health problem, especially in areas with high infection rates. The virus is primarily spread through fecal-oral transmission, person-to-person contact, ingestion of contaminated food or water, and rarely through blood transfusion. Administering the first dose at 1 year helps protect children from this infection. Choices B and C are incorrect as the vaccine is not recommended at 1 month or 12 years. Choice D is also incorrect as the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended at a specific age to prevent the infection.

4. What time frame has the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that pregnant adolescents and women who are not protected against pertussis receive the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine?

• A. Between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation or postpartum before discharge from the hospital
• B. During the first prenatal visit when pregnancy is confirmed
• C. The vaccine should be administered 24 hours prior to delivery
• D. This vaccine is only recommended during the first trimester

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant adolescents and women without protection against pertussis should receive the Tdap vaccine ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation or postpartum before discharge from the hospital. This timeframe allows for the development of antibodies in the mother to protect her and provide passive immunity to the infant. Administering the vaccine during the first trimester (Choice D) is not recommended as the optimal time is between 27 and 36 weeks. Choice B, during the first prenatal visit, is too early for optimal protection, and Choice C, 24 hours prior to delivery, does not provide enough time for the vaccine to be effective before birth.

5. Which distraction technique should be used for an adolescent child during a painful procedure?

• A. Blowing bubbles
• B. Guided imagery
• C. EMLA cream
• D. Sucrose solution

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Guided imagery. Guided imagery is an effective distraction technique for adolescents as it helps them focus on positive mental images instead of the pain. This technique can be a powerful tool in managing pain and anxiety during procedures. Blowing bubbles (choice A) may be more suitable for younger children as it can engage them visually and help distract them. EMLA cream (choice C) is a topical anesthetic and not a distraction technique. Sucrose solution (choice D) is used for pain relief in infants, not typically for adolescents undergoing painful procedures.

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