Nursing Elites

1. A child with sickle cell anemia develops severe chest pain, fever, a cough, and dyspnea. The nurse's first action is to

• A. administer 100% oxygen to relieve hypoxia
• B. administer pain medication to relieve symptoms
• C. notify the practitioner because chest syndrome is suspected
• D. notify the practitioner because the child may be having a stroke

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing severe chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea, the priority action is to suspect acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication. The nurse's first action should be to notify the practitioner for immediate evaluation and intervention. Administering 100% oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the initial priority. Administering pain medication (Choice B) should not precede notifying the practitioner, as addressing the underlying cause is crucial. The symptoms described are more indicative of acute chest syndrome than a stroke, so notifying the practitioner for chest syndrome (Choice C) takes precedence over suspecting a stroke (Choice D).

2. What are the most common signs and symptoms of leukemia related to bone marrow involvement?

• A. petechiae, infection, fatigue
• B. headache, papilledema, irritability
• C. muscle wasting, weight loss, fatigue
• D. decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: petechiae, infection, fatigue. In leukemia, bone marrow involvement leads to a decrease in normal blood cell production, resulting in petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), increased susceptibility to infections due to decreased white blood cells, and fatigue from anemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the typical signs and symptoms of leukemia with bone marrow involvement. Headache, papilledema, irritability, muscle wasting, weight loss, decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, and confusion are not typically associated with leukemia and bone marrow involvement.

3. A nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering insulin as prescribed
• B. Monitoring blood glucose levels
• C. Teaching the child how to self-administer insulin
• D. Encouraging regular exercise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 7-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to monitor blood glucose levels. This is crucial for managing and adjusting insulin therapy effectively. Administering insulin as prescribed is important, but monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence as it guides insulin administration. Teaching the child how to self-administer insulin and encouraging regular exercise are also important aspects of diabetes management, but they are not the priority in this situation.

4. What is the appropriate therapeutic management for children with Hirschsprung disease?

• A. daily enemas
• B. low-fiber diet
• C. permanent colostomy
• D. surgical removal of the affected section of bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung disease is characterized by a segment of the colon lacking nerve cells, leading to obstruction. The definitive treatment involves surgically removing the affected segment, followed by a pull-through procedure to restore normal bowel continuity. Daily enemas (choice A) are not the primary treatment for Hirschsprung disease. While dietary adjustments may be advised, a low-fiber diet (choice B) alone is not curative for this condition. A permanent colostomy (choice C) is considered a last resort if surgical interventions fail or in severe cases, but it is not the initial therapeutic approach for managing Hirschsprung disease.

5. An infant is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with exstrophy of the bladder. What covering should the nurse use to protect the exposed area?

• A. Loose diaper
• B. Dry gauze dressing
• C. Moist sterile dressing
• D. Petroleum jelly gauze pad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A moist sterile dressing should be used to protect the exposed bladder tissue from infection and injury. Exstrophy of the bladder requires careful management to prevent complications such as infection. A loose diaper (Choice A) may not provide adequate protection or prevent infection. Dry gauze dressing (Choice B) may not be ideal as it could adhere to the exposed area and cause trauma upon removal. Petroleum jelly gauze pad (Choice D) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.

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