Nursing Elites

1. A child sitting on a chair in a playroom starts to have a tonic-clonic seizure with a clenched jaw. What is the nurse’s best initial action?

• A. Attempt to open the jaw.
• B. Place the child on the floor.
• C. Call out for assistance from staff.
• D. Place a pillow under the child’s head.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action during a tonic-clonic seizure is to place the child on the floor. This action helps prevent injury by providing a safe environment and allows for better management of the seizure episode. Attempting to open the jaw is not recommended as it may cause harm to the child or the nurse. Calling out for assistance is important but should not delay ensuring the child's safety first. Placing a pillow under the child's head is not advisable during a seizure as it can pose a risk of suffocation or choking.

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 school nurse is educating parents of school-age children on the significance of immunizations for childhood communicable diseases. What preventable disease may lead to the complication of encephalitis?

• A. Varicella (Chickenpox)
• B. Scarlet fever
• C. Poliomyelitis
• D. Whooping cough

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Varicella (Chickenpox). Varicella can lead to the complication of encephalitis, characterized by brain inflammation. Encephalitis is a known complication of chickenpox in rare cases. Scarlet fever (choice B) is caused by Streptococcus bacteria and does not typically result in encephalitis. Poliomyelitis (choice C) primarily affects the spinal cord and does not lead to encephalitis. Whooping cough (choice D) can cause severe coughing spells but does not directly result in encephalitis.

4. A newborn is diagnosed with metatarsus adductus. The parents ask the nurse how this occurred. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

• A. This condition is due to a genetic defect in the bones.
• B. It's most likely from how the baby was positioned in utero.
• C. They really don't know what causes this condition.
• D. There is probably an underlying deformity of the baby's hip.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Metatarsus adductus is a condition where the front part of the foot is turned inward. It is often caused by the baby's position in the womb, leading to pressure on the foot during fetal development. Choice A is incorrect as metatarsus adductus is not primarily caused by a genetic defect in the bones. Choice C is incorrect as the cause of metatarsus adductus is known to be related to intrauterine positioning. Choice D is incorrect as metatarsus adductus specifically pertains to the foot and not the hip.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the healthcare professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often the last sign of heart failure in infants and children as it indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (Choice A) and tachycardia (Choice B) are early signs of heart failure due to the body's compensatory mechanisms. Periorbital edema (Choice D) can occur in heart failure but is not typically the last sign; it is more commonly associated with renal or hepatic dysfunction.

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