Nursing Elites

1. While assessing a child admitted for an asthma attack, a nurse in the emergency department observes large welts and scars on the child's back. What additional information must be included in the nurse’s assessment?

• A. History of an injury
• B. Signs of child abuse
• C. Presence of food allergies
• D. Recent recovery from chickenpox

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of child abuse. When a nurse observes large welts and scars on a child, it raises concern for possible child abuse. It is crucial for the nurse to assess further for signs of abuse, document findings, and report appropriately to protect the child. Choice A, history of an injury, is not specific to potential abuse and may not provide insight into the current situation. Choice C, presence of food allergies, is not directly related to the observed welts and scars. Choice D, recent recovery from chickenpox, is also unrelated to the signs of abuse and does not impact the immediate assessment of the child's safety.

2. A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect

• A. croup
• B. epiglottitis
• C. lower respiratory infection
• D. foreign body airway obstruction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child presenting with sudden respiratory distress without fever or recent illness, the most likely cause is a foreign body airway obstruction. Foreign body airway obstruction can lead to a sudden onset of respiratory distress as it blocks the air passage. Croup typically presents with a barking cough and stridor, often preceded by a viral illness. Epiglottitis is characterized by high fever, drooling, and a muffled voice. Lower respiratory infections usually present with symptoms such as cough, fever, and chest congestion. Therefore, in this case, the absence of recent illness or fever makes foreign body airway obstruction the most likely cause of the respiratory distress.

3. When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, general guidelines include

• A. examining the child in the parent's arms
• B. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first
• C. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen
• D. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach helps reduce anxiety, provide comfort, and establish trust with the child. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first (Choice B) may cause discomfort and increase anxiety in the child. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice C) without considering the child's comfort and security may lead to resistance and inaccurate assessment. Separating the child from the parent (Choice D) can exacerbate the child's anxiety and hinder the examination process. Therefore, examining the child in the parent's arms is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.

4. When caring for a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pain medication
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with sickle cell anemia is administering pain medication. Pain management is crucial in sickle cell anemia due to vaso-occlusive crises that can cause severe pain. While ensuring adequate hydration, providing nutritional support, and monitoring vital signs are important aspects of care for a child with sickle cell anemia, addressing the pain with appropriate medication takes precedence to alleviate the child's suffering and improve their quality of life.

5. A 4-year-old fell from a third-story window and landed on her head. She is semiconscious with slow, irregular breathing and bleeding from her mouth. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with simultaneous stabilization of her head, what should you do next?

• A. suction the oropharynx
• B. insert a nasopharyngeal airway
• C. initiate positive pressure ventilations
• D. place the patient in the recovery position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old is presenting with signs of airway compromise due to the fall. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway while stabilizing the head to prevent further injury, the next step should be to suction the oropharynx. Suctioning helps to clear any blood or secretions from the mouth and throat, ensuring a clear airway for proper breathing. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway or initiating positive pressure ventilations would be premature without first ensuring the airway is clear. Placing the patient in the recovery position is not indicated at this point as the focus should be on managing the airway.

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