Nursing Elites

1. When transitioning from intravenous to oral morphine, what would the nurse anticipate regarding the oral dose in comparison to the intravenous dose to achieve equianalgesia?

• A. Same as the intravenous dose
• B. Greater than the intravenous dose
• C. One half of the intravenous dose
• D. One fourth of the intravenous dose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When switching from intravenous to oral morphine, a higher oral dose is required to achieve equianalgesia due to significant metabolism from the first-pass effect. Choosing the same oral dose as the intravenous dose would provide less pain relief. Opting for a dose greater than the intravenous dose is necessary to achieve the same analgesic effect. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.

2. What is an appropriate play activity for a 7-month-old infant to encourage visual stimulation?

• A. Playing peek-a-boo
• B. Playing pat-a-cake
• C. Imitating animal sounds
• D. Showing how to clap hands

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Playing peek-a-boo is an ideal play activity for a 7-month-old as it encourages visual tracking and social interaction, which are key developmental milestones at this age.

3. A child with acute glomerulonephritis is in the playroom and experiences blurred vision and a headache. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Check the urine to see if hematuria has increased.
• B. Obtain the child's blood pressure and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Obtain serum electrolytes and send urinalysis to the laboratory.
• D. Reassure the child and encourage bed rest until the headache improves.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Blurred vision and headache in a child with acute glomerulonephritis may indicate severe hypertension, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Blood pressure should be checked, and the healthcare provider notified.

4. An infant with hydrocephalus is hospitalized for surgical placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Postoperative nursing care would include what?

• A. Monitor closely for signs of infection.
• B. Place the child with the operative side of the head up.
• C. Avoid pumping the shunt reservoir to maintain patency.
• D. Avoid maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative nursing care for an infant with hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement includes monitoring closely for signs of infection, as infection is the greatest hazard in the postoperative period. Signs of cerebrospinal fluid infection to watch for include elevated temperature, poor feeding, vomiting, decreased responsiveness, and seizure activity. The child should be placed with the operative side of the head up to reduce pressure on the valve. The shunt reservoir should not be pumped to maintain patency, as this can disrupt its function. Maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt is contraindicated as it can lead to increased intracranial pressure and compromise the shunt's effectiveness.

5. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

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