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. When the nurse interviews an adolescent, which is especially important?

• A. Focus the discussion on the peer group
• B. Allow an opportunity to express feelings
• C. Use the same type of language as the adolescent
• D. Emphasize that confidentiality will always be maintained

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing adolescents to express their feelings helps them feel heard and supported, which is crucial for effective communication.

3. Which reflex is expected to disappear by 4 months of age?

• A. Rooting reflex
• B. Moro reflex
• C. Babinski reflex
• D. Palmar grasp

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, typically disappears by 4 months as the infant's nervous system matures. This reflex is important for assessing the development of the nervous system in newborns. The Rooting reflex (Choice A) is related to turning the head in response to cheek stimulation; the Babinski reflex (Choice C) involves the fanning of toes in response to foot stimulation; and the Palmar grasp (Choice D) is the curling of the fingers around an object placed in the infant's hand. These reflexes have different timelines for disappearance and are not typically expected to be gone by 4 months of age.

4. Which condition is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough in children?

• A. Croup
• B. Asthma
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. Croup is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, particularly the larynx and trachea. It is most common in young children and can cause significant respiratory distress, especially at night. Treatment often includes humidified air and corticosteroids. Asthma (choice B) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath, not a barking cough. Bronchitis (choice C) is characterized by productive cough with mucus, not a barking cough. Pneumonia (choice D) often presents with fever, productive cough, and chest pain, not a barking cough.

5. What is the most appropriate nursing action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant?

• A. Allow formula to flow by gravity
• B. Avoid allowing the infant to suck on the tube
• C. Insert the tube through the nares instead of the mouth
• D. Apply gentle pressure to the syringe to deliver the formula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant is to allow the formula to flow by gravity. This method helps prevent overfeeding and aspiration, which can occur if the formula is delivered too quickly under pressure. Choice B is incorrect as sucking on the tube can cause complications. Choice C is incorrect as the tube is typically inserted through the mouth. Choice D is incorrect as steady pressure can lead to rapid delivery of the formula, increasing the risk of complications.

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