Nursing Elites

1. A child newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus has been stabilized with insulin injections daily. A nurse prepares a discharge teaching plan regarding the insulin. The teaching plan should reinforce which of the following concepts?

• A. Always store insulin vials in the refrigerator
• B. Adjust insulin dosage before exercise
• C. Presence of ketones in urine indicates a need for less insulin
• D. Systematically rotate injection sites

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systematically rotating injection sites is crucial to prevent tissue damage and ensure optimal insulin absorption. This practice helps in preventing lipohypertrophy, a condition characterized by fat accumulation at injection sites, which can affect insulin absorption and lead to inconsistent blood glucose control. By rotating injection sites, the risk of skin and tissue damage is minimized, and insulin's effectiveness is maintained over time.

2. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

3. Which intervention is not appropriate for the hospitalized adolescent?

• A. Allowing the adolescent to assist with procedures when possible.
• B. Encouraging them to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the hospitalization.
• C. Encouraging them to remain in the room throughout the hospitalization to ensure adequate rest periods.
• D. Encouraging peer visitation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the adolescent to remain in the room throughout the hospitalization to ensure adequate rest periods is not appropriate. It is crucial for adolescents to have opportunities for physical activity and social interaction to promote their well-being during hospitalization. Allowing them to assist with procedures when possible can empower them and provide a sense of control. Encouraging discussions about their thoughts and feelings helps address their emotional needs. Facilitating peer visitation fosters social support, which is beneficial for their well-being. Therefore, choice C is the least appropriate as it restricts important aspects of the adolescent's development and coping mechanisms during hospitalization.

4. What is the most important intervention to decrease the stressors of hospitalization for a 9-month-old infant being treated for a bacterial infection?

• A. Encourage the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care.
• B. Provide a brightly lit environment for the infant.
• C. Play tapes of the mother's voice.
• D. Assign the same nurse to the infant as much as possible.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care is crucial in decreasing the stressors of hospitalization for the infant. Parental presence provides comfort and security, promotes bonding, and maintains a sense of familiarity for the infant during a potentially stressful situation. This involvement can help reduce anxiety and promote better outcomes for the infant's emotional well-being and overall hospital experience. Providing a brightly lit environment (choice B) can actually increase stress for the infant, as infants generally prefer dimly lit environments for better sleep. Playing tapes of the mother's voice (choice C) may offer some comfort but does not substitute for parental presence. While assigning the same nurse to the infant (choice D) can provide continuity of care, it is not as effective as having the parents present for emotional support and bonding.

5. A 3-month-old is hospitalized with a fractured femur. The pain assessment tool most appropriate for this child is the:

• A. FLACC scale.
• B. Poker chip tool.
• C. Number scale.
• D. Visual analog scale.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The FLACC scale is a validated pain assessment tool suitable for infants and young children, including 3-month-olds. It assesses pain based on five categories: Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Since infants cannot communicate their pain verbally, the FLACC scale is effective in evaluating pain by observing these behavioral indicators. The other options, such as the Poker chip tool, Number scale, and Visual analog scale, are not specifically designed for infants and may not provide accurate pain assessment in this age group.

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