Nursing Elites

1. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?

• A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
• B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
• C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
• D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.

2. A child has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What position should the nurse recommend the child be placed in after eating?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Semi-Fowler's
• D. Trendelenburg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After eating, it is beneficial to place a child with GERD in a semi-Fowler's position. This position helps prevent reflux by keeping the child's head elevated above the stomach, reducing the chances of gastric contents flowing back into the esophagus. Placing the child supine (lying flat on their back) can worsen reflux symptoms by allowing gravity to work against the natural flow of gastric contents. Prone position (lying on the stomach) is not recommended due to the increased risk of aspiration. Trendelenburg position (feet elevated above head) is also inappropriate as it can lead to increased pressure on the abdomen, potentially worsening reflux symptoms.

3. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Monitoring fluid intake
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the priority nursing intervention is administering pain medication to alleviate the severe pain associated with the crisis. While administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation, pain relief is crucial in managing the crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the most immediate intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

4. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?

• A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and remove for 60 minutes.
• B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
• C. May take an NSAID for pain as prescribed.
• D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Applying ice in intervals helps to reduce swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after a sprain. This intervention is crucial in the initial management of a sprain to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as prolonged immobilization can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. Allowing the child to take an NSAID for pain as prescribed (Choice C) is a supportive measure but not as essential as ice application in the acute phase. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours (Choice D) may assist in reducing swelling, but it is not as critical as the immediate application of ice to manage pain and inflammation effectively.

5. What type of play does a caregiver expect when observing a toddler in a playroom with other children?

• A. Parallel
• B. Solitary
• C. Cooperative
• D. Competitive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When observing a toddler in a playroom with other children, a caregiver would expect to witness parallel play. Parallel play is common among toddlers, where they play alongside but not directly with other children. This type of play is characterized by children engaging in similar activities near each other without interactive or cooperative play. Solitary play (Choice B) involves a child playing alone, while cooperative play (Choice C) involves children playing together towards a common goal. Competitive play (Choice D) involves activities where children compete against each other.

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