Nursing Elites

1. What should be taught to the child and parents about using a peak flow meter for a child diagnosed with asthma?

• A. Use the device before taking medication
• B. Use the device during asthma attacks
• C. Record the best of three attempts
• D. Use the device after eating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Record the best of three attempts.' This method provides an accurate measure of peak expiratory flow using a peak flow meter. By taking the best of three attempts, the child and parents can obtain a more reliable assessment of the child's lung function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because using the device before taking medication, during asthma attacks, or after eating does not ensure an accurate measurement of peak flow, which is essential for managing asthma effectively. Monitoring peak flow regularly and accurately can help in adjusting asthma treatment plans and assessing response to medications.

2. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who has difficulty breathing and prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?

• A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
• B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
• C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
• D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles are signs of respiratory distress in infants. These clinical manifestations can be associated with trauma, such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS), which can lead to severe head injuries and respiratory compromise. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation (Choice A) is more related to prematurity complications rather than SBS. The absence of stridor and adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) may not be specific indicators of SBS. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds (Choice C) alone may not be as concerning as the presence of retractions and use of accessory muscles in the context of a distressed infant.

3. A healthcare provider is discussing the care of an infant with colic with the parents. What should the healthcare provider explain is the cause of colicky behavior?

• A. Inadequate peristalsis
• B. Paroxysmal abdominal pain
• C. An allergic response to certain proteins in milk
• D. A protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Colicky behavior in infants is primarily characterized by paroxysmal abdominal pain, resulting in excessive crying and fussiness. The pain episodes are often unpredictable and can be distressing for both the infant and the parents. Inadequate peristalsis (Choice A) refers to weak or ineffective bowel movements and is not the typical cause of colic. While some infants may experience colic due to an allergic response to certain proteins in milk (Choice C), this is not the primary cause of colic behavior in all infants. Choice D, a protective mechanism designed to eliminate foreign proteins, is not a recognized cause of colic. Therefore, the correct explanation for the cause of colicky behavior in infants is paroxysmal abdominal pain.

4. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child with Addison's disease. What would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased aldosterone production. This results in impaired sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia. Therefore, the correct answer is hyperkalemia (choice B). Hypernatremia (choice A) is less likely because of the loss of sodium in Addison's disease. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with Addison's disease and are less likely to be present in this condition.

5. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

• A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
• B. Reflective of neurologic damage
• C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
• D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

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