Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.

2. The parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome are being taught by the nurse on how to maintain the child's good health. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include?

• A. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age
• B. Adhering to the special dietary needs of the child
• C. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of age
• D. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. While special dietary needs may be important, they are not typically a primary concern for a 1-month-old with Down syndrome compared to monitoring for congenital issues. Getting cervical radiographs, an echocardiogram, and monitoring for respiratory infections are more crucial in the early care of a child with Down syndrome. Cervical radiographs help in assessing for atlantoaxial instability, an echocardiogram is important for detecting congenital heart defects common in Down syndrome, and monitoring for respiratory infections is vital due to the increased risk in these children.

3. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child with Addison's disease. What would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased aldosterone production. This results in impaired sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia. Therefore, the correct answer is hyperkalemia (choice B). Hypernatremia (choice A) is less likely because of the loss of sodium in Addison's disease. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with Addison's disease and are less likely to be present in this condition.

4. What is the priority nursing responsibility when a 3-year-old child in a crib is experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure with a clamped jaw?

• A. Apply restraints.
• B. Administer oxygen.
• C. Protect the child from self-injury.
• D. Insert a plastic airway in the child’s mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing responsibility is to protect the child from self-injury. Applying restraints (Choice A) can cause harm by restricting movement during the seizure. While administering oxygen (Choice B) may be necessary, it is not the immediate priority during an active seizure. Inserting a plastic airway (Choice D) is contraindicated as it can lead to injury and is not recommended during a seizure. Protecting the child from self-injury (Choice C) is crucial to prevent harm from uncontrolled movements and potential falls, ensuring the safety of the child.

5. What is an early sign of congestive heart failure that the nurse should recognize?

• A. tachypnea
• B. bradycardia
• C. inability to sweat
• D. increased urinary output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachypnea is an early sign of congestive heart failure that nurses should recognize. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, which can be an indication of the body's attempt to compensate for decreased cardiac output in congestive heart failure. Bradycardia (choice B) is a slow heart rate and is not typically associated with congestive heart failure. Inability to sweat (choice C) and increased urinary output (choice D) are not specific early signs of congestive heart failure and are not typically recognized as such.

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