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. When developing the plan of care for a child with cerebral palsy, which treatment would the nurse expect as least likely?

• A. Skeletal traction
• B. Physical therapy
• C. Orthotics
• D. Occupational therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a child with cerebral palsy, skeletal traction is the least likely treatment intervention. Cerebral palsy primarily involves motor function impairments, and skeletal traction is not a typical intervention for this condition. Physical therapy is commonly used to improve movement and function, orthotics help with posture and mobility, and occupational therapy addresses activities of daily living. These interventions are more aligned with the needs of a child with cerebral palsy compared to skeletal traction, making it the least likely treatment option.

3. A parent brings a 2-month-old infant with Down syndrome to the pediatric clinic for a physical and administration of immunizations. Which clinical finding should alert the nurse to perform a further assessment?

• A. Flat occiput
• B. Small, low-set ears
• C. Circumoral cyanosis
• D. Protruding furrowed tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Circumoral cyanosis should alert the nurse to perform a further assessment because it may indicate inadequate oxygenation or circulation, potentially related to cardiac or respiratory issues. Flat occiput (choice A) is a common finding in infants and is not typically concerning. Small, low-set ears (choice B) are common in Down syndrome and not specifically indicative of an acute issue requiring immediate further assessment. Protruding furrowed tongue (choice D) is also commonly seen in infants with Down syndrome and typically does not warrant immediate further assessment unless associated with other concerning signs or symptoms.

4. A child is being assessed for suspected intussusception. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare provider likely to observe?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Currant jelly stools
• C. Abdominal distension
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation the healthcare provider is likely to observe in a child with suspected intussusception is abdominal distension. Intussusception involves one portion of the intestine telescoping into another, causing obstruction. Abdominal distension is a common symptom due to the obstruction and buildup of gas and fluid in the affected area. While projectile vomiting can occur, it is not as specific to intussusception as abdominal distension. Currant jelly stools, which are stools containing blood and mucus, are a classic sign of intussusception but are not a clinical manifestation observable on assessment. Constipation is not typically associated with intussusception, as this condition often presents with symptoms of bowel obstruction rather than constipation.

5. A parent receives a note from the school that a student in class has head lice. The parent calls the school nurse to ask how to check for head lice. What instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Ask the child where it itches.
• B. Check to see if your dog has ear mites.
• C. Look along the scalp line for white dots.
• D. Observe between the fingers for red lines.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to look along the scalp line for white dots (nits) when checking for head lice. White dots are indicative of head lice infestation. Itching alone, as mentioned in choice A, is not a reliable indicator of head lice. Choice B is irrelevant as it refers to checking for ear mites in a dog, not head lice in a human. Observing between the fingers for red lines, as in choice D, is not a method to check for head lice.

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