Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.

2. After completing an oral examination of a healthy 2-year-old child, the parent asks when the child should first be taken to the dentist. When is the most appropriate time in the child’s life for the nurse to suggest?

• A. Before starting school
• B. Within the next few months
• C. When the first deciduous teeth are lost
• D. At the next dental visit of a family member

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is recommended that a child should visit the dentist within the next few months after turning two years old. This allows for early dental check-ups to monitor oral health, detect any issues early on, and establish a good oral hygiene routine. Choice A ('Before starting school') is not as specific and may delay the child's first dental visit. Choice C ('When the first deciduous teeth are lost') is too late for the first dental visit, as preventive care should start earlier. Choice D ('At the next dental visit of a family member') is not ideal as the child's dental needs should be addressed independently of family members' visits.

3. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation between acyanotic and cyanotic defects. Choice A is incorrect because the system is not solely based on explaining hemodynamics. Choice B is incorrect because the classification is not based on the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects. Choice C is incorrect because cyanosis can indeed be present in children with congenital heart defects, especially acyanotic defects that may lead to cyanosis under certain circumstances.

4. An infant is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with exstrophy of the bladder. What covering should the nurse use to protect the exposed area?

• A. Loose diaper
• B. Dry gauze dressing
• C. Moist sterile dressing
• D. Petroleum jelly gauze pad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A moist sterile dressing should be used to protect the exposed bladder tissue from infection and injury. Exstrophy of the bladder requires careful management to prevent complications such as infection. A loose diaper (Choice A) may not provide adequate protection or prevent infection. Dry gauze dressing (Choice B) may not be ideal as it could adhere to the exposed area and cause trauma upon removal. Petroleum jelly gauze pad (Choice D) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.

5. What is the most common cause of seizures in children?

• A. An abrupt rise in body temperature
• B. An inflammatory process in the brain
• C. A temperature greater than 102°F
• D. A life-threatening infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from a temperature greater than 102°F, known as febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are commonly triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature due to infections or other causes. Choice A is incorrect as febrile seizures are not necessarily caused by the abrupt rise in body temperature alone. Choice B is incorrect as inflammatory processes in the brain may lead to other types of seizures but are not the most common cause in children. Choice D is incorrect as not all seizures in children are due to life-threatening infections.

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