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. When caring for a 2-year-old girl who is wheezing and has difficulty breathing, which interview question would provide the most useful information related to the symptoms of the child?

• A. Inquiring about child safety in the home
• B. Asking about the temperament of the child
• C. Asking about the child's diet
• D. Asking the parents if they smoke in the home

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Asking the parents if they smoke in the home is the most relevant question as exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing in children. This information is crucial for identifying potential triggers for the child's symptoms. Inquiring about child safety in the home, asking about the child's temperament, and inquiring about the child's diet, while important aspects of care, may not directly address the respiratory symptoms the child is experiencing.

3. A group of students is reviewing information about the endocrine system in infants and children. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they state:

• A. Endocrine glands begin developing in the first trimester of gestation.
• B. At birth, the endocrine glands are not fully functional.
• C. Infants may have difficulty balancing glucose and electrolytes.
• D. A child’s endocrine system plays a vital role in growth and development.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is that infants may have difficulty balancing glucose and electrolytes because their endocrine systems are immature. Newborns have developing endocrine glands that are not yet fully functional, leading to challenges in maintaining glucose and electrolyte balance. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands start developing in the first trimester, not the third trimester. Choice B is incorrect as endocrine glands are not fully functional at birth. Choice D is incorrect because while a child’s endocrine system indeed plays a vital role in growth and development, the specific focus of the question is on the challenges infants face due to immature endocrine glands.

4. The father is being taught by a nurse how to stimulate his 7-year-old son who has a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. Which guidance will be most successful?

• A. Telling him to read stories to the child about famous athletes
• B. Suggesting he take the child to watch him play softball
• C. Urging him to sign the child up for little league football
• D. Proposing wrestling with the child and letting him win

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a child with a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament, it is important to choose activities that are less intense and allow for gradual engagement. Reading stories to the child about famous athletes would be the most successful approach as it is less active and more likely to be acceptable to the child's temperament. Choice B and C involve more active and potentially overwhelming activities, which may not suit the child's temperament. Choice D, proposing wrestling and letting the child win, might create a competitive environment that could be counterproductive for a 'slow-to-warm-up' child.

5. A child who had surgery for a congenital heart defect is being discharged. What is an important aspect of the discharge teaching?

• A. Teaching the parents about signs of infection
• B. Providing instructions on wound care
• C. Scheduling follow-up appointments
• D. Explaining the use of prescribed medications

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Explaining the use of prescribed medications is crucial as it helps ensure the proper management of the child's condition post-discharge. Understanding how and when to administer medications is essential for the child's recovery. While teaching the parents about signs of infection, providing wound care instructions, and scheduling follow-up appointments are also important aspects of care, ensuring the correct use of prescribed medications takes precedence to prevent complications and promote the child's well-being.

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