Nursing Elites

1. A child who has just had definitive repair of a high rectal malformation is to be discharged. What should the nurse address in the discharge preparation of this family?

• A. Safe administration of daily enemas
• B. Necessity of firm stools to keep suture line clean
• C. Bowel training beginning as soon as the child returns home
• D. Changes in stooling patterns to report to the practitioner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care should focus on monitoring changes in stooling patterns, which could indicate complications such as stenosis or obstruction. It is crucial to educate the family on the importance of promptly reporting any changes in stooling patterns to the healthcare provider. Options A and B are not recommended unless specifically ordered by the physician as they can potentially cause harm or discomfort postoperatively. Option C may not be appropriate immediately after surgery and should be guided by the healthcare provider's recommendations.

2. The nurse is caring for a patient from a culture unfamiliar to the local area. The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with the family is to:

• A. Explain that the child must now be cared for differently
• B. Speak in the language most used by the staff and encourage the family to learn it
• C. Be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs
• D. Insist that the family changes their beliefs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with a family from an unfamiliar culture is to be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs. This approach demonstrates cultural competence by honoring and valuing the family's beliefs and practices. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the family's cultural practices without understanding them. Choice B is not the best approach as it focuses on language rather than respecting beliefs. Choice D is inappropriate as it goes against the principles of cultural competence by imposing beliefs on the family.

3. Parents of a newborn with ambiguous genitalia want to know how long they will have to wait to know whether they have a boy or a girl. The nurse answers the parents based on what knowledge?

• A. Chromosome analysis will be complete in 7 days.
• B. A physical examination will be able to provide a definitive answer.
• C. Additional laboratory testing is necessary to assign the correct gender.
• D. Gender assignment involves collaboration between the parents and a multidisciplinary team.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gender assignment in cases of ambiguous genitalia is a complex process that requires a multidisciplinary approach, including genetic, endocrinological, and psychological evaluations. The decision should be made collaboratively with the parents.

4. An infant is brought to the emergency department with the following clinical manifestations: poor skin turgor, weight loss, lethargy, tachycardia, and tachypnea. This is suggestive of which situation?

• A. Water excess
• B. Sodium excess
• C. Water depletion
• D. Potassium excess

Correct answer: C

Rationale: These symptoms are indicative of dehydration or water depletion, which is common in infants and can rapidly lead to severe consequences if not addressed promptly.

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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