Nursing Elites

1. A child with pyloric stenosis is having excessive vomiting. The nurse should assess for what potential complication?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hyperchloremia
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Excessive vomiting in pyloric stenosis leads to the loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), resulting in metabolic alkalosis, not hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, or metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a higher pH level in the blood due to the loss of acid and a relative increase in bicarbonate. Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood and is not directly related to excessive vomiting in pyloric stenosis. Hyperchloremia is an excess of chloride in the blood, which is not typically associated with this condition. Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by a lower pH level in the blood, caused by an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate, which is not the typical complication seen in pyloric stenosis with excessive vomiting.

2. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

3. The nurse is discussing issues that are important with parents considering a cross-racial adoption. Which statement made by the parents indicates further teaching is needed?

• A. "We will try to preserve the adopted child's racial heritage."
• B. "We are glad we will be getting full medical information when we adopt our child."
• C. "We will make sure to have everyone realize this is our child and a member of the family."
• D. "We understand strangers may make thoughtless comments about our child being different from us."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement about making sure others realize the child is part of the family may indicate a focus on external validation rather than on the child’s needs and identity, suggesting a need for further teaching.

4. Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough in children?

• A. Asthma
• B. Bronchiolitis
• C. Croup
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. It is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, typically worse at night, caused by the inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea. Asthma (Choice A) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath rather than a barking cough. Bronchiolitis (Choice B) commonly causes wheezing and respiratory distress in infants and young children. Pneumonia (Choice D) often presents with symptoms like fever, productive cough, and chest pain, but not typically a barking cough.

5. The nurse is caring for a child with Meckel diverticulum. What type of stool does the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Steatorrhea
• B. Clay-colored
• C. Currant jelly-like
• D. Loose stools with undigested food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Currant jelly-like stools, which contain blood and mucus, are characteristic of Meckel diverticulum. This symptom occurs due to the bleeding from the ectopic gastric mucosa present in the diverticulum. Steatorrhea (choice A) is not typically associated with Meckel diverticulum. Clay-colored stools (choice B) are seen in conditions affecting the biliary system. Loose stools with undigested food (choice D) may indicate malabsorption issues, but it is not specifically linked to Meckel diverticulum.

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