Nursing Elites

1. A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation. The mother asks the nurse for information on nutrition and if formula would be better since the baby is premature. What is the foundation for the response to the mother by the nurse?

• A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition.
• B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients when the infant is preterm.
• C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred over other types of nutrition.
• D. Commercial infant formulas have not been designed to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Human milk is the preferred food for infants, including preterm infants. It contains essential ingredients necessary for the infant's growth and development. The mother should pump her breasts to provide milk for the infant if the child is receiving enteral feedings. Once the infant can coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing, breastfeeding directly is encouraged. Studies have shown that preterm infants fed fortified human milk have better outcomes compared to those fed commercial infant formulas. Commercial infant formulas may not fully meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, leading to potential longer hospital stays. Therefore, human milk is the best choice for feeding premature infants.

2. The nurse is educating a new nurse on the identification of pain in children. What does the nurse teach about physiologic measurements in children’s pain assessment?

• A. Not useful as the only indicator for pain
• B. Best indicator of pain in children of all ages
• C. Most valuable when children also report having pain
• D. Essential to determine whether a child is telling the truth about pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic manifestations of pain may vary considerably, so they do not provide a consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In chronic pain, the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. Physiologic measurements are of limited value and must be viewed in the context of a pain rating scale, behavioral assessment, and parental report. When the child reports pain on an appropriate pain scale, the appropriate interventions should be used. Therefore, physiologic measurements are not considered a reliable standalone indicator for pain in children, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because physiologic measurements alone do not serve as the best indicator of pain. Choice C is incorrect as physiologic measurements are still limited even when children report pain. Choice D is incorrect as physiologic measurements are not primarily used to determine the truthfulness of a child's pain report.

3. What is a suitable nutritional goal for a preschool-aged child?

• A. Minimize messiness and spills.
• B. Introduce new foods gradually and provide variety.
• C. Finish all the food on the plate.
• D. Allow the child to eat only preferred foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Introducing new foods gradually and offering a variety of options is a suitable nutritional goal for preschool-aged children as it helps in providing essential nutrients and expanding their palate. Choice A is incorrect as reducing messiness and spills is more related to behavior than nutrition. Choice C is incorrect as forcing a child to finish all the food on the plate may override their natural hunger and fullness cues. Choice D is incorrect as allowing a child to eat only preferred foods may lead to an imbalanced diet lacking in essential nutrients.

4. A 6-month-old infant with Hirschsprung disease is scheduled for a temporary colostomy. What should postoperative teaching to the parents include?

• A. Dilating the stoma
• B. Assessing bowel function
• C. Limitation of physical activities
• D. Measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postoperative teaching should focus on assessing bowel function to ensure the colostomy is functioning properly. This includes monitoring stool output, color, consistency, and signs of infection or blockage. Choice A, dilating the stoma, is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance, as it can lead to complications. Choice C, limitation of physical activities, may not be as crucial immediately after colostomy creation. Choice D, measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum, is more relevant for conditions like rectal prolapse and not specifically for a colostomy.

5. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

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