Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing vital signs in pediatric patients. Which of the following vital signs is abnormal?

• A. 11-year-old male: 90 BPM, 22 RPM, 100/70 mmHg
• B. 13-year-old female: 105 BPM, 22 RPM, 105/50 mmHg
• C. 5-year-old male: 102 BPM, 24 RPM, 90/65 mmHg
• D. 6-year-old female: 100 BPM, 26 RPM, 90/70 mmHg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The normal range of vital signs for pediatric patients varies with age. For 11 to 14-year-olds, the normal vital sign ranges are: Heart rate: 60-105 BPM; Respiratory rate: 12-20 RPM; Blood pressure: Systolic 85-120 mmHg, Diastolic 55-80 mmHg. The 13-year-old female in choice B has a diastolic blood pressure below the normal range, indicating hypotension. Additionally, her heart rate is at the upper limit of normal, and her respiratory rate is within normal limits. Choices A, C, and D all fall within the normal ranges for vital signs in pediatric patients.

2. A patient who has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was hospitalized for increasing shortness of breath and chronic hypoxemia (SaO2 levels of 89% to 90%). In planning for discharge, which action by the nurse will be most effective in improving compliance with discharge teaching?

• A. Start giving the patient discharge teaching on the day of discharge
• B. Have the patient repeat the instructions immediately after teaching
• C. Accomplish the patient teaching just before the scheduled discharge
• D. Arrange for the patient's caregiver to be present during the teaching

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypoxemia interferes with the patient's ability to learn and retain information, so having the patient's caregiver present will increase the likelihood that discharge instructions will be followed. Having the patient repeat the instructions will indicate that the information is understood at the time, but it does not guarantee retention of the information. Giving discharge instructions just before discharge is not ideal as the patient is likely to be distracted and anxious at that time. Teaching the patient about discharge on the day of admission is not recommended because the patient may be more hypoxemic and anxious than usual, making it difficult for them to absorb and retain the information effectively. Therefore, arranging for the patient's caregiver to be present during the teaching session is the best option to ensure proper compliance and understanding of the discharge instructions.

3. The nurse is assigned to care for a child who is scheduled for an appendectomy. Select the prescriptions that the nurse anticipates will be prescribed. Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Initiate an IV line.
• B. Maintain an NPO status.
• C. Administer a Fleet enema.
• D. Administer intravenous antibiotics.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a child scheduled for an appendectomy, the administration of a Fleet enema is not typically required. An IV line is often initiated for fluid and medication administration, maintaining NPO status is necessary to prevent aspiration during surgery, and administering intravenous antibiotics may be part of the preoperative regimen. Therefore, the correct choice that does not apply in this case is administering a Fleet enema.

4. When asked to describe in layman's terms an overview of the condition called osteomyelitis, what would be the nurse's best response?

• A. Osteomyelitis is a gradual breakdown and weakening of your bones. It's most often age-related.
• B. Osteomyelitis is caused by not having enough Vitamin D, which in turn causes your bones to be softer and demineralized.
• C. Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone. It can be caused by bacteria reaching your bone from outside or inside your body.
• D. This is a question that should be directed to your healthcare provider.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone that can be caused by bacteria reaching the bone either from outside the body (such as through an open fracture) or inside the body (such as through the bloodstream). This response provides a concise and accurate explanation of osteomyelitis, making it the best choice. Choices A and B provide inaccurate information about the condition, attributing it to age-related bone breakdown and Vitamin D deficiency, which are not correct causes of osteomyelitis. Choice D deflects the question instead of providing the patient with a clear explanation, making it an inappropriate response.

5. In which order should the nurse take the following actions for an older patient with new onset confusion who is normally alert and oriented?

• A. Obtain the oxygen saturation, Check the patient's pulse rate, Notify the health care provider, Document the change in status
• B. Obtain the oxygen saturation, Check the patient's pulse rate, Document the change in status, Notify the health care provider
• C. Document the change in status, Notify the health care provider, Check the patient's pulse rate, Obtain the oxygen saturation
• D. Document the change in status, Check the patient's pulse rate, Obtain the oxygen saturation, Notify the health care provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct order of actions for the nurse in this scenario is to first obtain the oxygen saturation to assess the patient's airway and oxygenation status. Next, checking the patient's pulse rate helps in evaluating circulation. Subsequently, documenting the change in the patient's status is important for maintaining an accurate record of care. Finally, notifying the health care provider is crucial to ensure timely intervention and further management. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because assessing oxygen saturation should precede checking the pulse rate to address potential physiological causes of confusion. Additionally, documentation should follow patient assessment and notification of the healthcare provider for appropriate record-keeping and communication.

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