Nursing Elites

1. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?

• A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide high-calorie snacks
• D. Encourage frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor liver function tests regularly. Methotrexate, commonly used in JIA, can be hepatotoxic. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early. While encouraging regular exercise (choice B) is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (choice C) is not a necessary consideration in this context and can be misleading. Encouraging frequent handwashing (choice D) is important for infection control but is not specifically related to the medication methotrexate.

2. When developing the plan of care for a child with burns requiring fluid replacement therapy, what information would the nurse expect to include?

• A. Administration of colloid initially followed by a crystalloid
• B. Determination of fluid replacement based on the type of burn
• C. Administration of most of the volume during the first 8 hours
• D. Monitoring of hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In fluid replacement therapy for burns, it is crucial to administer most of the volume during the first 8 hours to prevent shock and maintain perfusion. This rapid administration is essential to stabilize the child's condition. Choices A and B are incorrect because the initial fluid replacement in burns typically involves administering crystalloids, not colloids, and the fluid replacement is generally calculated based on the extent of the burn injury, not the type of burn. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr is not recommended in burn patients; instead, urine output should be monitored to achieve 1-2 mL/kg/hr in children to ensure adequate renal perfusion.

3. An 8-year-old child with the diagnosis of meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?

• A. To measure the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid
• B. To obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis
• C. To relieve intracranial pressure
• D. To assess the presence of infection in the spinal fluid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture is to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This sample helps in diagnosing conditions such as meningitis by evaluating the presence of pathogens or abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (Choice A) is not the main objective of a lumbar puncture, although it can be done during the procedure. Relieving intracranial pressure (Choice C) is not the direct purpose of a lumbar puncture, as other interventions are typically used for this purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid (Choice D) is related to the overall goal of obtaining a sample for analysis, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.

4. The parents of an infant ask the nurse why their baby is scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine rather than the oral vaccine. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular vaccine because it is safer.
• B. The consensus is that either can be used, since both produce the same results and are equally safe.
• C. The oral vaccine is more expensive, so the intramuscular vaccine is preferred unless it is contraindicated.
• D. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intramuscular vaccine unless the infant or a family member is immunocompromised.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine because it has a better safety profile compared to the oral vaccine. Choice B is incorrect because the AAP specifically recommends the intramuscular vaccine over the oral vaccine. Choice C is incorrect as cost is not the primary reason for preferring the intramuscular vaccine. Choice D is incorrect as the recommendation is based on safety rather than the immunocompromised status of the infant or family members.

5. A 6-month-old infant is admitted with a diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Providing small, frequent feedings
• B. Administering antibiotics
• C. Maintaining strict isolation
• D. Elevating the head of the bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed is essential in the care of an infant with RSV as it helps improve breathing by reducing congestion and promoting drainage. This position also aids in maintaining patent airways and can enhance comfort for the infant. Providing small, frequent feedings (Choice A) is generally appropriate for infants but is not a specific intervention for RSV. Administering antibiotics (Choice B) is not indicated for RSV, as it is a viral infection and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Maintaining strict isolation (Choice C) is important to prevent the spread of infections, but it is not a direct care intervention for managing RSV symptoms.

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