Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. What is a common clinical manifestation that the healthcare professional is likely to observe?

• A. Rash
• B. Photophobia
• C. Jaundice
• D. Kernig sign

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A common clinical manifestation of bacterial meningitis is a positive Kernig sign, indicating irritation of the meninges. Rash (Choice A) is not typically associated with bacterial meningitis. Photophobia (Choice B) can be present but is more commonly seen in viral meningitis. Jaundice (Choice C) is not a typical clinical manifestation of meningitis and is more indicative of liver dysfunction.

2. A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

• A. Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
• B. The drug prevents your baby from requiring excessive sedation.
• C. Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.
• D. Your baby needs this medication to combat a potential respiratory tract infection.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Surfactant therapy is explained to parents as a treatment that enhances the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This is essential for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as it helps improve their respiratory function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because surfactant therapy primarily focuses on addressing lung function and is not related to sedation, apnea reduction, or fighting respiratory tract infections.

3. A parent tearfully tells a nurse, 'They think our child is developmentally delayed. We are thinking about investigating a preschool program for cognitively impaired children.' What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

• A. Praise the parent for the decision and encourage the plan.
• B. Ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays.
• C. Advise the parent to have the healthcare provider help choose an appropriate program.
• D. Explain that this may be a premature action and the developmental delays could disappear.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays. By seeking additional details, the nurse can better understand the situation, offer appropriate support, and provide guidance tailored to the child's specific needs. Praising the parent or encouraging the plan without understanding the full context may not be beneficial. Advising the parent to have the healthcare provider help choose a program assumes the parent has not already involved the healthcare provider, which may not be the case. Explaining that the developmental delays could disappear is not appropriate as it may give false hope or minimize the parent's concerns.

4. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the healthcare provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medication is not necessary. It should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing accounts for individual variations in drug metabolism and distribution, ensuring a more precise and safer medication administration. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the importance of weight-based dosing in children, potentially leading to inappropriate dosing and safety concerns.

5. During a physical examination of a 9-month-old baby, the nurse observes a flat, discolored area on the skin. The nurse documents this as a:

• A. Papule.
• B. Macule.
• C. Vesicle.
• D. Scale.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, discolored area on the skin that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. This term is used to describe conditions like freckles or petechiae. Choice A, Papule, refers to a small, solid, raised skin lesion (<0.5 cm) like a pimple. Choice C, Vesicle, describes a small blister filled with clear fluid. Choice D, Scale, refers to flakes or plates of dead skin that may be dry or greasy.

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