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. A nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation
• D. Abdominal distension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Projectile vomiting is the hallmark clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis in infants. In pyloric stenosis, the muscle surrounding the opening between the stomach and the small intestine thickens, leading to obstruction. This obstruction causes forceful, projectile vomiting, which is typically non-bilious (does not contain bile) and occurs after feedings. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal distension are not typical symptoms of pyloric stenosis.

3. A health care provider orders a tap water enema for a 6-month-old infant with suspected Hirschsprung disease. What rationale causes the nurse to question the order?

• A. The result could lead to loss of necessary nutrients.
• B. It could cause a fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
• C. It could increase the fear of intrusive procedures.
• D. The result could cause shock from a sudden drop in temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tap water enemas can cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in infants, making them unsafe for this age group. Choice A is incorrect because tap water enemas do not directly lead to loss of necessary nutrients. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on emotional impact rather than physiological risks. Choice D is incorrect as shock from a sudden drop in temperature is not a common consequence of a tap water enema in this scenario.

4. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Maintaining electrolyte balance
• B. Preventing dehydration
• C. Preventing fluid overload
• D. Avoiding cardiac overload

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In infants, monitoring IV flow rates is essential to prevent fluid overload, not cardiac overload. Excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. It is crucial to maintain a balance between providing adequate hydration and avoiding fluid overload to prevent adverse outcomes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern is to prevent complications related to excess fluid rather than focusing on electrolyte balance, dehydration prevention, or avoiding cardiac overload.

5. The parent of a child who has received all of the primary immunizations asks the nurse which ones the child should receive before starting kindergarten. The nurse tells the parent that her child should receive boosters of:

• A. IPV, HepB, Td.
• B. DTaP, HepB, Td.
• C. MMR, DTaP, Hib.
• D. DTaP, IPV, MMR.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: DTaP, IPV, MMR. Before starting kindergarten, the child should receive boosters of DTaP, IPV, and MMR to ensure ongoing protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella. Choice A is incorrect because it includes HepB instead of MMR. Choice B is incorrect as it includes HepB instead of MMR and DTaP instead of IPV. Choice C is incorrect as it includes Hib instead of IPV.

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