Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?

• A. Preventing infection
• B. Administering chemotherapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preventing infection. When caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy, the top priority is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections. By implementing infection control measures such as hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, and environmental cleanliness, the nurse can help protect the child from potentially life-threatening infections. Administering chemotherapy (choice B) is important but not the priority over preventing infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) and monitoring fluid intake (choice D) are essential aspects of care but take a back seat to preventing infection in this scenario.

2. When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, what nursing care should be included?

• A. Elevating the head and not giving anything by mouth
• B. Elevating the head at all times
• C. Administering glucose water only during feedings
• D. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, it is essential to elevate the head and avoid giving anything by mouth. Elevating the head helps prevent aspiration, and withholding oral intake reduces the risk of complications like aspiration pneumonia. Elevating the head at all times (choice B) is overly restrictive and unnecessary. Administering glucose water only during feedings (choice C) is not recommended as it can still lead to aspiration. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic (choice D) is incorrect because maintaining airway patency may require suctioning, irrespective of cyanosis, in a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula.

3. A child has been diagnosed with classic hemophilia. A nurse teaches the child’s parents how to administer the plasma component factor VIII through a venous port. It is to be given 3 times a week. What should the nurse tell them about when to administer this therapy?

• A. Whenever a bleed is suspected
• B. In the morning on scheduled days
• C. At bedtime while the child is lying quietly in bed
• D. On a regular schedule at the parents’ convenience

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering factor VIII in the morning on scheduled days is the correct choice. This timing ensures that the factor VIII levels remain stable throughout the day when the child is active and at risk of bleeding. Choice A is incorrect because factor VIII should be given on a regular schedule rather than only when a bleed is suspected. Choice C is not ideal as the child may be more active during the day, increasing the risk of bleeding. Choice D is also incorrect as the administration should follow a specific schedule to maintain therapeutic levels of factor VIII in the child's system.

4. A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect

• A. croup
• B. epiglottitis
• C. lower respiratory infection
• D. foreign body airway obstruction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child presenting with sudden respiratory distress and no history of recent illnesses or fever, foreign body airway obstruction should be suspected. Foreign body airway obstruction commonly leads to acute respiratory distress without preceding symptoms. Croup (Choice A) typically presents with a barking cough and stridor. Epiglottitis (Choice B) often presents with high fever, drooling, and a muffled voice. Lower respiratory infection (Choice C) may manifest with symptoms such as cough, fever, and respiratory distress, but the sudden onset without fever or recent illness suggests a more acute event like foreign body airway obstruction.

5. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are necessary after open-heart surgery to facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the chest cavity. These tubes help prevent complications such as pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural space) or cardiac tamponade (build-up of fluid in the pericardial sac), which can be serious postoperative issues. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because chest tubes are primarily used for draining purposes and not for increasing tidal volumes, maintaining positive intrapleural pressure, or regulating pressure on the pericardium and chest wall.

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