Nursing Elites

1. A child with a history of seizures arrives in the emergency department (ED) in status epilepticus. Which is the priority nursing action?

• A. Take vital signs.
• B. Establish an intravenous line.
• C. Perform rapid neurologic assessment.
• D. Maintain a patent airway.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a child with a history of seizures presents in status epilepticus, the priority nursing action is to maintain a patent airway. This is crucial to ensure proper oxygenation and ventilation. While taking vital signs, establishing an intravenous line, and performing rapid neurologic assessment are important, maintaining a patent airway takes precedence. Hypoxia can lead to serious complications, making airway management the top priority to ensure the child's safety and prevent further deterioration.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing abdominal girth for a pediatric client who presents with abdominal distension. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Measuring the girth just below the umbilicus
• B. Measuring the girth just below the sternum
• C. Measuring the girth just above the pubic bone
• D. Measuring the girth around the largest portion of the abdomen

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Measuring the girth around the largest portion of the abdomen ensures accurate assessment and tracking of abdominal distension. This method provides a more comprehensive measurement and helps healthcare providers monitor changes effectively.

3. Which medication is most likely to cause serious respiratory depression as a potential adverse reaction?

• A. Morphine
• B. Pentazocine
• C. Hydrocodone
• D. Nalmefene

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Morphine, as a strong opioid agonist, has the highest likelihood of causing serious respiratory depression due to its potent effects on the central nervous system. While Pentazocine and Hydrocodone can also cause respiratory depression, they are less likely to do so compared to morphine. Nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, is used to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioids rather than causing it.

4. Why is the specific gravity for infants lower than for older children?

• A. Infants have a greater body surface area.
• B. Infants have a higher basal metabolic rate.
• C. Infants have a greater percentage of body weight that is water.
• D. Infants' kidneys are less able to concentrate urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because infants' kidneys are less developed compared to older children, making them less efficient at concentrating urine. This results in a lower specific gravity in infants. The other choices do not directly explain why the specific gravity is lower in infants.

5. Before administering a live virus vaccine to a patient taking a glucocorticoid medication, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Continue screening and administer the vaccine if appropriate
• B. Note the contraindication but administer the vaccine regardless
• C. Note the contraindication and clarify the order with the healthcare provider
• D. Withhold the vaccine and inform the department of health

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a patient on glucocorticoid medication is to note the contraindication and clarify the order with the healthcare provider. Glucocorticoids can suppress the immune response, potentially reducing the effectiveness of vaccines. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with the healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits of administering a live virus vaccine in such circumstances. Administering a live virus vaccine to a patient taking glucocorticoids can increase the risk of developing a viral infection, making it essential to seek guidance from the healthcare provider before proceeding.

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