Nursing Elites

1. A child with suspected bacterial meningitis is under the care of a nurse. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer antibiotics as prescribed.
• B. Maintain the child on NPO status.
• C. Monitor the child's intake and output.
• D. Implement seizure precautions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for a child with suspected bacterial meningitis is to implement seizure precautions. Meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure, which may trigger seizures. By implementing seizure precautions, such as padding the side rails of the bed and ensuring a clear environment, the nurse aims to prevent injury during a potential seizure episode, prioritizing the child's safety. Administering antibiotics as prescribed is essential in treating bacterial meningitis, but seizure precautions take precedence due to the immediate risk of injury. Maintaining NPO status and monitoring intake and output are important aspects of care but are not the priority when considering the risk of seizures.

2. A child is being cared for by a nurse and has rheumatic fever. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Administer aspirin to the child as prescribed based on the healthcare provider's instructions.
• B. Encourage adequate fluid intake for the child.
• C. Elevate the child's joints and provide warm compresses.
• D. Monitor the child's heart rate for dysrhythmias.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rheumatic fever can lead to cardiac complications, such as dysrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to monitor the child's heart rate closely for any signs of dysrhythmias. This will help in early identification and prompt management of potential cardiac issues associated with rheumatic fever. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority actions in this scenario. While aspirin may be used in the treatment of rheumatic fever, monitoring for cardiac complications takes precedence. Encouraging fluid intake and providing warm compresses are helpful interventions but do not directly address the cardiac risks associated with rheumatic fever.

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a child on bed rest who has severe edema in the left lower extremity due to blocked lymphatic drainage. Which nursing diagnosis would take priority?

• A. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
• B. Risk for Altered Body Image
• C. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
• D. Risk for Activity Intolerance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity' because severe edema in the left lower extremity can lead to compromised circulation and pressure ulcers, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Addressing and preventing impaired skin integrity is crucial for the child's overall health and well-being.

4. Marge is a 2-year-old girl who does not sit and eat at mealtimes but rather brings food to many rooms, eats a few bites, and drops it. Her parents report that she is a 'fussy eater.' Marge is significantly below weight for her age. She does not have any oral motor structure abnormalities, but eats only certain foods with the same texture. Which intervention strategy would be best to address the environmental context?

• A. Prolong mealtimes and eliminate all snacks
• B. Provide high-calorie snacks and meals at the table throughout the day
• C. Allow Marge to eat whenever and wherever she wants in the house
• D. Require Marge to eat everything on her plate and at snack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the case of Marge, who exhibits selective eating habits and struggles with weight gain, providing high-calorie snacks and meals at the table throughout the day can be an effective intervention. This strategy can help increase her food intake in a structured environment, promoting healthier eating habits and potentially addressing her below-average weight status. Choice A, prolonging mealtimes and eliminating all snacks, may not be the best approach as it could lead to more food refusal and stress during meals. Choice C, allowing Marge to eat whenever and wherever she wants in the house, may further enable her selective eating behavior and hinder progress. Choice D, requiring Marge to eat everything on her plate and at snack, can create a negative mealtime environment and may not address the underlying causes of her eating habits. Therefore, providing high-calorie snacks and meals at designated times offers a balanced approach to support Marge's nutritional needs and overall well-being.

5. An adolescent client reports recurrent abdominal pain with diarrhea and bloody stools. Which type of inflammatory bowel disease does the nurse suspect based on these data?

• A. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
• B. Ulcerative colitis (UC)
• C. Crohn's disease
• D. Appendicitis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by recurrent abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody stools. The symptoms described align with the clinical presentation of ulcerative colitis, making it the most likely diagnosis in this scenario. Necrotizing enterocolitis primarily affects premature infants, Crohn's disease typically presents with non-bloody diarrhea, and appendicitis is characterized by right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Therefore, based on the symptoms provided, ulcerative colitis is the most appropriate suspicion.

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