Nursing Elites

1. A school-age child has peripheral edema. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform to confirm peripheral edema?

• A. Palpate the dorsum of the child's feet
• B. Weigh the child daily using the same scale
• C. Assess the child's skin turgor
• D. Observe the child for periorbital swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To confirm peripheral edema in a child, the nurse should palpate the dorsum of the child's feet by pressing a fingertip against a bony prominence for 5 seconds. This assessment helps detect the presence of pitting edema, which is characterized by an indentation that remains after the pressure is released.

2. After administering Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, to an 11-year-old girl, the healthcare provider informs the parent that routine screening with which diagnostic test is needed?

• A. Beta hCG
• B. Chlamydia test
• C. PAP test
• D. Mammogram

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following the administration of Gardasil, the HPV vaccine, routine screening with a PAP test is necessary. While Gardasil protects against certain types of HPV, it does not cover all strains that could lead to cervical cancer. Therefore, individuals who have received the vaccine should still undergo regular PAP tests to screen for cervical abnormalities caused by other HPV strains.

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. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

5. 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.

Similar Questions