Nursing Elites

1. A school-age child is 4 hours postoperative following perforated appendicitis repair. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Maintain the child on a clear liquid diet for 48 hours.
• B. Administer antibiotics for 7 days.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the surgical site every 4 hours.
• D. Keep the child on NPO status for 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering antibiotics for 7 days is essential postoperatively to prevent infections and complications in a child who underwent perforated appendicitis repair. This helps in reducing the risk of secondary infections and promoting healing. Clear liquid diets, warm compresses, and prolonged fasting are not the primary interventions indicated in this scenario.

2. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Hypotonic dehydration
• D. Isotonic dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is hypotonic dehydration. The combination of high hemoglobin and hematocrit with low serum sodium indicates hypotonic dehydration. In this condition, there is an excess of solutes relative to water, leading to higher red blood cell concentration (elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit) and low serum sodium levels.

3. Which assessment data would cause suspicion that a 3-year-old child has Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Clay-colored stools and dark urine
• B. History of early passage of meconium in the newborn period
• C. History of chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight
• D. Continual bouts of foul-smelling diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight. These symptoms are indicative of the disorder due to the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon, leading to impaired motility and obstruction.

4. Prior to hydrotherapy treatment for wound debridement following a burn injury, which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Apply topical antimicrobial ointment to the child's wound
• B. Place a mesh gauze dressing over the child's wound
• C. Administer an analgesic to the child
• D. Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy for the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Prior to hydrotherapy for wound debridement, it is crucial to administer an analgesic to the preschooler. The procedure is known to be extremely painful, and providing analgesia or sedation is essential to manage the discomfort and pain experienced by the child during the treatment. Choice A is incorrect because applying topical antimicrobial ointment is not a pre-procedural requirement but rather a post-procedure wound care step. Choice B is incorrect as placing a mesh gauze dressing does not address the pain management aspect. Choice D is also incorrect as prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not the primary intervention needed before hydrotherapy for wound debridement.

5. What is an appropriate intervention for the edematous child with reduced mobility related to nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Assist the child in minimizing body movements.
• B. Change the child's position frequently.
• C. Maintain the child's bed flat.
• D. Keep edematous areas moist and covered.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Changing the child's position frequently is essential for preventing respiratory tract infections and reducing pressure on delicate skin, which are common risks for edematous children with reduced mobility due to nephrotic syndrome. This intervention helps promote circulation and prevents complications associated with prolonged immobility.

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