Nursing Elites

1. A child newly diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (SCA) is being discharged from the hospital. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide the parents prior to discharge?

• A. Nutritional guidelines to support blood health
• B. Signs of infection to monitor for
• C. When to give pain medication
• D. Instructions about how much fluid the child should drink daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proper hydration is crucial in managing sickle cell anemia (SCA) as it helps prevent sickling of red blood cells and reduces blood viscosity, which can lead to painful crises. Ensuring the child drinks enough fluids is essential to maintain adequate hydration levels and reduce the risk of complications. While nutritional guidelines and recognizing signs of infection are important aspects of care, maintaining proper hydration is the most immediate and critical factor in managing SCA and preventing crises.

2. A client with hypocalcemia is receiving calcium gluconate. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
• B. Wheezing and stridor.
• C. Decreased bowel sounds.
• D. Positive Chvostek's sign.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Wheezing and stridor may indicate a severe allergic reaction to calcium gluconate, such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate intervention. While hypocalcemia can present with decreased deep tendon reflexes and positive Chvostek's sign, these findings do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Decreased bowel sounds are not directly related to a severe reaction to calcium gluconate and do not require immediate intervention.

3. The nurse is caring for a group of clients with the help of a PN. Which nursing actions should the nurse assign to the PN?

• A. All of the above
• B. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale for a client with Type 2 DM
• C. Obtain postoperative vital signs for a client one day following unilateral knee arthroplasty
• D. Perform daily surgical dressing change for a client who had an abdominal hysterectomy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: All of these tasks fall within the PN's scope of practice, which includes performing surgical dressing changes, taking postoperative vital signs, and administering insulin under supervision. The RN can delegate these tasks to the PN safely. Choice A is the correct answer because all the tasks mentioned are appropriate for delegation to a PN. Choice B should not be assigned to a PN as only RNs should administer insulin. Choice C is suitable for delegation to a PN as obtaining vital signs falls within their scope of practice. Choice D is also appropriate for delegation to a PN as performing surgical dressing changes is within their scope of practice.

4. An antibiotic IM injection for a 2-year-old child is ordered. The total volume of the injection equals 2.0 ml. The correct action is to

• A. Administer the medication in 2 separate injections
• B. Give the medication in the dorsal gluteal site
• C. Call to get a smaller volume ordered
• D. Check with the pharmacy for a liquid form of the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Injections over 1 mL should be split into two separate injections for young children. This helps in preventing discomfort, ensuring proper absorption, and reducing the risk of tissue damage. Giving the medication in one injection of 2.0 ml might be too much for a 2-year-old child. Choices B and D are incorrect because the dorsal gluteal site is not recommended for children due to potential injury, and changing the form of medication might not be necessary if the volume can be adjusted. Choice C is unnecessary as splitting the dose into two injections is the appropriate action.

5. The nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client. Which action is most important for the nurse to take before starting the transfusion?

• A. Administer pre-transfusion medication
• B. Ensure the client has an adequate fluid intake
• C. Monitor the client's vital signs
• D. Verify the blood type with another nurse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Verifying the blood type with another nurse is critical before starting a blood transfusion to prevent a potentially life-threatening transfusion reaction. This step ensures that the client receives the correct blood product. Administering pre-transfusion medication, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and monitoring vital signs are important steps during the transfusion process, but verifying the blood type is the most crucial step to ensure patient safety.

Similar Questions