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. What is the most appropriate nursing consideration for a patient who is prescribed verapamil and digoxin?

• A. Restrict intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods
• B. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds before administration
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
• D. Hold the medications if the heart rate is greater than 110 bpm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed verapamil and digoxin, it is crucial to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity due to the potential interaction between these medications. Verapamil can elevate digoxin blood serum levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing consideration is to notify the healthcare provider of these symptoms. Restricting intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods is not a specific consideration related to this medication combination. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to take an apical pulse for a full minute, not just 30 seconds, to ensure accuracy. Additionally, holding the medications if the heart rate exceeds 110 bpm is not a typical response to the combination of verapamil and digoxin, which can cause bradycardia rather than tachycardia.

3. 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).

4. When evaluating infants and young children in early intervention services, which of the following is recommended?

• A. Gain information from family, caregivers, professionals, and the child to create a total picture of the child's strengths and challenges
• B. Report test scores and therapist observations rather than parent reports
• C. Identify the areas of concern, weaknesses, and deficits to best address the child's and family's needs
• D. Observe the child in one setting with objective data from professionals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When evaluating infants and young children in early intervention services, it is crucial to gather information from multiple sources, including family, caregivers, professionals, and the child. This holistic approach helps create a comprehensive understanding of the child's strengths and challenges, leading to a more effective intervention plan.

5. The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse recognizes that hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Edema
• C. Diabetes insipidus
• D. Protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is primarily indicated for hypertension (HTN). Thiazides like hydrochlorothiazide are commonly the first-line treatment for hypertension. While hydrochlorothiazide can be used for edema, diabetes insipidus, and postmenopausal osteoporosis to some extent, its main use and efficacy lie in managing hypertension.

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