Nursing Elites

1. During an assessment, an infant is suspected to have intussusception. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Currant jelly stools
• B. Projectile vomiting
• C. Scaphoid abdomen
• D. Frequent stools

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Intussusception is a condition where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, causing obstruction. The classic presentation includes currant jelly stools, which are a mixture of blood and mucus due to the sloughing of the intestinal mucosa. This finding is a result of the compromised blood supply to the affected area and is a key characteristic associated with intussusception.

2. When teaching parents of a school-aged child with a new diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the tibia, which statement by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. My child will have a cast until healing is complete.
• B. My child will receive antibiotics for several weeks.
• C. My child can return to playing sports once he is discharged.
• D. My child needs to be in contact isolation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osteomyelitis of the tibia typically requires antibiotic therapy for at least 4 weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the infection does not respond to antibiotics. Weight-bearing should be avoided with osteomyelitis to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a cast until healing, returning to sports immediately, and contact isolation are not primary management strategies for osteomyelitis.

3. A neonate with a meningomyelocele is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Which nursing action is appropriate for this neonate?

• A. Applying a diaper to prevent contamination of the sac
• B. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position
• C. Encouraging the mother to hold the newborn because she will not be able to pick him up after surgery
• D. Positioning the newborn in a prone position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the newborn in a prone position is appropriate for a neonate with a meningomyelocele before surgery. Placing the newborn in this position helps prevent pressure on the sac, reducing the risk of damaging it and promoting optimal surgical outcomes. Applying a diaper (choice A) may not be recommended as it can increase pressure on the sac. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position (choice B) or encouraging the mother to hold the newborn (choice C) are not ideal actions before surgery as they do not address the specific needs of a neonate with a meningomyelocele.

4. What is the priority nursing action when preparing a neonate born with a gastroschisis defect for transport to a pediatric hospital for corrective surgery?

• A. Covering the exposed intestines with sterile moist gauze
• B. Wrapping the newborn warmly in two or three blankets
• C. Providing sterile water feeding to maintain hydration during transport
• D. Allowing the parents of the newborn to see their child prior to transport

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action when preparing a neonate born with a gastroschisis defect for transport is to cover the exposed intestines with sterile moist gauze. This action helps prevent infection and keeps the tissue viable during transportation to the pediatric hospital for corrective surgery.

5. As a result of opioid administration, a child's respirations are slow and shallow. Which should the nurse anticipate when assessing the child's arterial blood gas?

• A. Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis
• B. Decreased PCO2 and respiratory alkalosis
• C. Low pH and low PCO2
• D. High pH and high PCO2

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child's respirations are slow and shallow due to opioid administration, it results in hypoventilation. This leads to retaining carbon dioxide, indicated by an increased PCO2 level on arterial blood gas analysis, and subsequently causes respiratory acidosis due to the buildup of CO2 in the blood. Therefore, choice A, 'Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis,' is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because slow and shallow respirations would not lead to decreased PCO2 or respiratory alkalosis (choice B), low pH and low PCO2 (choice C), or high pH and high PCO2 (choice D).

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