Nursing Elites

1. Following a child's return from exploratory surgery due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen, which nursing intervention should be excluded from the plan of care?

• A. Immediate initiation of oral feedings
• B. Assessment of the surgical site
• C. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management
• D. Visitation at the bedside

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immediate initiation of oral feedings should be excluded from the plan of care post-abdominal surgery due to the risk of bowel complications like paralytic ileus or anastomotic leak. Starting oral feedings immediately can increase these risks and hinder healing. It is crucial to wait until bowel function returns and the patient shows signs of tolerance before introducing oral feedings. Assessment of the surgical site is necessary to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management is essential for ensuring the patient's comfort post-surgery. Visitation at the bedside provides emotional support and can aid in the patient's recovery. Therefore, the correct answer is to exclude immediate initiation of oral feedings.

2. Marge is a 2-year-old girl who does not sit and eat at mealtimes but rather brings food to many rooms, eats a few bites, and drops it. Her parents report that she is a 'fussy eater.' Marge is significantly below weight for her age. She does not have any oral motor structure abnormalities, but eats only certain foods with the same texture. Which intervention strategy would be best to address the environmental context?

• A. Prolong mealtimes and eliminate all snacks
• B. Provide high-calorie snacks and meals at the table throughout the day
• C. Allow Marge to eat whenever and wherever she wants in the house
• D. Require Marge to eat everything on her plate and at snack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of Marge, who exhibits selective eating habits and struggles with weight gain, providing high-calorie snacks and meals at the table throughout the day can be an effective intervention. This strategy can help increase her food intake in a structured environment, promoting healthier eating habits and potentially addressing her below-average weight status. Choice A, prolonging mealtimes and eliminating all snacks, may not be the best approach as it could lead to more food refusal and stress during meals. Choice C, allowing Marge to eat whenever and wherever she wants in the house, may further enable her selective eating behavior and hinder progress. Choice D, requiring Marge to eat everything on her plate and at snack, can create a negative mealtime environment and may not address the underlying causes of her eating habits. Therefore, providing high-calorie snacks and meals at designated times offers a balanced approach to support Marge's nutritional needs and overall well-being.

3. The nurse is providing care for a pediatric client in the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of decreased level of consciousness (LOC) secondary to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which healthcare provider order should the nurse question?

• A. Passive range-of-motion exercises to promote hip flexion
• B. Oxygen at 2 L nasal cannula to maintain saturation above 95%
• C. Hourly vital signs and neurologic checks
• D. Elevate head of bed 30 degrees

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and decreased level of consciousness (LOC), passive range-of-motion exercises to promote hip flexion should be questioned as they can potentially increase intracranial pressure. This action may not be safe for the client's condition. The other options are appropriate interventions for managing a pediatric client with increased ICP and decreased LOC.

4. In caring for an adolescent with severe abdominal pain due to appendicitis, where should the nurse identify as McBurney's point?

• A. Right lower quadrant
• B. Left lower quadrant
• C. Right upper quadrant
• D. Left upper quadrant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: McBurney's point is located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, specifically between the umbilicus and the anterior iliac crest. This point is significant in diagnosing appendicitis, as tenderness at McBurney's point is a classic sign of appendicitis and indicates inflammation near the appendix. Therefore, the correct answer is the 'Right lower quadrant.' Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because McBurney's point is not located in the left lower quadrant, right upper quadrant, or left upper quadrant of the abdomen.

5. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

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