Nursing Elites

1. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Encouraging regular exercise
• C. Administering antipyretics
• D. Administering antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to fluid loss. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance is essential in managing gastroenteritis to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is not a priority in the acute phase of gastroenteritis when the focus is on rehydration and symptom management. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) may be considered for fever management but is not the priority over monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not routinely indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is a common cause of the condition in children.

2. The nurse is admitting a child with a Wilms tumor. Which is the initial assessment finding associated with this tumor?

• A. Abdominal swelling
• B. Weight gain
• C. Hypotension
• D. Increased urinary output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abdominal swelling is frequently the initial assessment finding associated with a Wilms tumor. This swelling is caused by the tumor's mass in the kidney, leading to abdominal distension. Weight gain (Choice B) is less likely as a primary finding, as it may occur later due to tumor growth or fluid retention. Hypotension (Choice C) is not typically associated with Wilms tumor unless severe complications like hemorrhage develop. Increased urinary output (Choice D) is not a common initial finding; instead, hematuria or other urinary changes may be observed later in the disease process.

3. During a routine monthly examination, a 5-month-old infant is brought to the pediatric clinic. What assessment finding should alert the nurse to notify the health care provider?

• A. Temperature of 99.5°F
• B. Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg
• C. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute in a 5-month-old infant is considered high and may indicate respiratory distress. Infants normally have a higher respiratory rate than older children and adults, but a rate of 50 breaths per minute is above the expected range. This finding warrants immediate attention as it may be indicative of an underlying respiratory issue or distress. Choice A (Temperature of 99.5°F) is within the normal range for body temperature and does not necessarily indicate a critical issue. Choice B (Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg) is not typically assessed in isolation for a 5-month-old infant during a routine examination, and the values provided are not indicative of a critical condition. Choice C (Heart rate of 100 beats per minute) is within the normal range for heart rate in infants and may not be a cause for immediate concern during a routine examination.

4. Why does a cleft lip predispose an infant to infection, concerning a nurse caring for the infant?

• A. Waste products accumulate along the defect.
• B. There is inadequate circulation in the defective area.
• C. Nutrition is inadequate due to ineffective feeding.
• D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mouth breathing due to a cleft lip can dry the mucous membranes, increasing their susceptibility to infection. While waste product accumulation (Choice A) and inadequate circulation (Choice B) may contribute to complications, they are not directly related to infection in this context. Inadequate nutrition (Choice C) may affect overall health but is not the primary reason for infection predisposition in this case.

5. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, at what apical pulse did the nurse decide to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the health care provider?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and its administration is based on heart rate parameters. A pulse rate below 90 beats/min indicates bradycardia. In pediatric patients, bradycardia below this threshold may be a sign of toxicity or potential adverse effects of digoxin, necessitating withholding the medication and informing the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent pulse rates above the threshold for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child.

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