Nursing Elites

1. A child is being cared for following a head injury. Which of the following findings should indicate to the healthcare provider that the child is developing diabetes insipidus?

• A. Urine specific gravity of 1.045
• B. Sodium level of 155
• C. Blood glucose level of 45
• D. Urine output of 35 ml per hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a child with a head injury, the development of diabetes insipidus can occur due to pituitary hypofunction, leading to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. An elevated sodium level (hypernatremia) is a key finding in diabetes insipidus due to the excessive loss of free water in the urine, resulting in increased sodium concentration in the blood.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of an infant who is receiving treatment for severe dehydration. The professional should identify which of the following laboratory values indicates effectiveness of the current treatment?

• A. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
• B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• C. Urine specific gravity 1.035
• D. BUN 25 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sodium level of 140 mEq/L within the expected reference range indicates effective treatment for dehydration. In dehydration, sodium levels are often elevated, so a normal sodium level suggests that the treatment is helping to restore the electrolyte balance in the infant's body.

3. Prior to hydrotherapy treatment for wound debridement following a burn injury, which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Apply topical antimicrobial ointment to the child's wound
• B. Place a mesh gauze dressing over the child's wound
• C. Administer an analgesic to the child
• D. Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy for the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Prior to hydrotherapy for wound debridement, it is crucial to administer an analgesic to the preschooler. The procedure is known to be extremely painful, and providing analgesia or sedation is essential to manage the discomfort and pain experienced by the child during the treatment. Choice A is incorrect because applying topical antimicrobial ointment is not a pre-procedural requirement but rather a post-procedure wound care step. Choice B is incorrect as placing a mesh gauze dressing does not address the pain management aspect. Choice D is also incorrect as prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not the primary intervention needed before hydrotherapy for wound debridement.

4. A nurse is planning care for a 2-month-old infant who is postoperative following surgical repair of a cleft lip. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the infant on his abdomen
• B. Cleanse the incision site with hydrogen peroxide
• C. Offer the infant a pacifier
• D. Keep the infant's elbow restrained

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should keep the infant�s elbow restrained to prevent injury to the surgical site.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a school-age child who has moderate persistent asthma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. You should give your child his salmeterol inhaler every 4 hours when he is having an acute episode of wheezing.
• B. You should monitor your child's weight weekly while he is receiving inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
• C. Pulmonary function tests will be performed every 12 to 24 months to evaluate how your child is responding to therapy.
• D. When using the peak expiratory flow meter, record your child's average of three readings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should inform the parent that the child will need pulmonary function tests every 12 to 24 months to assess lung function and response to treatment. These tests help evaluate the presence of lung disease, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of the current therapeutic regimen in managing asthma. Choice A is incorrect as salmeterol is not used for acute wheezing episodes but rather for long-term maintenance. Choice B is incorrect because weight monitoring is not directly related to inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma. Choice D is incorrect as peak expiratory flow meter readings should be recorded as instructed, not averaged.

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