Nursing Elites

1. When a nurse from the surgical department is reassigned to the pediatric unit, the charge nurse should recognize that the child at highest risk for cardiac arrest and is the least likely to be assigned to this nurse is which child?

• A. Congenital cardiac defects
• B. An acute febrile illness
• C. Prolonged hypoxemia
• D. Severe multiple trauma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Prolonged hypoxemia.' Prolonged hypoxemia is a critical condition that requires specialized pediatric care due to the high risk of cardiac arrest. The other choices, such as congenital cardiac defects, acute febrile illness, and severe multiple trauma, may also require attention, but prolonged hypoxemia poses the highest risk for cardiac arrest and demands specialized expertise in managing pediatric patients with this condition.

2. A 4-month-old child taking digoxin (Lanoxin) has a blood pressure of 92/78; resting pulse of 78; respirations 28, and a potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L. The client is irritable and has vomited twice since the morning dose of digoxin. Which finding is most indicative of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Lethargy
• C. Irritability
• D. Vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) is a key sign of digoxin toxicity. In this scenario, the child's symptoms of irritability, vomiting, along with the resting pulse of 78 despite being on digoxin, suggest an impending bradycardia due to digoxin toxicity. Lethargy can also be a sign, but in this case, the child is irritable rather than lethargic. Vomiting, though a symptom, is not as specific to digoxin toxicity as bradycardia. Irritability, while present, is not the most indicative finding of digoxin toxicity compared to bradycardia.

3. The public health RN is called to investigate a report of several cases of varicella at a daycare center. The daycare workers state that 5 children have been sent home over the past 2 weeks with fever and itchy blisters. Which intervention should the RN implement first?

• A. Validate that the children who were sent home had chickenpox.
• B. Ask the parents to take the child to see their pediatrician.
• C. Ask the parents to not send the child back to daycare until after 6 weeks.
• D. Tell the parents to send the child back to daycare; it was a mistake they were sent home.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to validate that the children who were sent home had chickenpox. This is crucial in confirming the presence of varicella, which is necessary for appropriate management and control of the outbreak. Option B is not the first intervention because the focus initially is on verifying the cases within the daycare center. Option C is incorrect as it suggests a prolonged exclusion period without confirming the diagnosis. Option D is inappropriate and potentially harmful, as sending a child back without proper assessment can lead to further spread of the infection.

4. After accepting the position of school nurse in a public elementary school, what strategy is best for the nurse to use to obtain an overview understanding of the student body?

• A. Review all health records of the students currently enrolled in classes.
• B. Talk with the current members of the parent-teacher association.
• C. Send a survey form to parents of third-grade students.
• D. Conduct a windshield survey of the geographic areas served by the school.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Conducting a windshield survey is the best strategy for the nurse to obtain an overview understanding of the student body. This method allows the nurse to observe the community, its resources, potential health hazards, and demographic information. Reviewing health records (Choice A) would provide detailed health information but not an overview of the student body. Talking with the parent-teacher association (Choice B) may offer insights but not a comprehensive overview. Sending a survey form to parents (Choice C) may provide specific information but may not capture a broad understanding of the student body.

5. The healthcare provider would expect which eating disorder to have the greatest fluctuations in potassium?

• A. Binge eating disorder
• B. Anorexia nervosa
• C. Bulimia
• D. Purge syndrome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bulimia. Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating and purging, where individuals may induce vomiting or use laxatives and diuretics. These purging behaviors can lead to significant fluctuations in potassium levels due to electrolyte imbalances caused by excessive loss of potassium through vomiting and purging. In contrast, Binge eating disorder (A) does not involve purging behaviors, so it is less likely to cause significant potassium fluctuations. Anorexia nervosa (B) is characterized by severe food restriction rather than purging, leading to a different pattern of electrolyte imbalances. Purge syndrome (D) is not a recognized eating disorder and is not associated with specific patterns of potassium fluctuations seen in bulimia.

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