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. The nurse is preparing to administer a daily dose of digoxin. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Analyze HR and rhythm
• B. Assess for Homan�s sign
• C. Check BP
• D. Palpate the pedal pulses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before giving digoxin, the nurse will assess the HR and rhythm. The dosage will be held and the prescriber notified if the HR is below 60 bpm or if the cardiac rhythm has changes. Digoxin can cause bradycardia and electrical changes in the heart.

3. A child is being assessed for Kawasaki disease. Which of the following findings should be expected?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Dry, scaly skin
• C. Fever unresponsive to antipyretics
• D. Nontender cervical lymphadenopathy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Kawasaki disease, a child typically presents with a fever that is unresponsive to antipyretics because the disease is characterized by systemic inflammation. The persistent fever is a hallmark feature of the disease and can last for more than five days despite treatment with antipyretics.

4. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

5. A caregiver is learning about administering digoxin to a toddler. Which statement by the caregiver indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will mix the medication with a small amount of juice.
• B. I will give the medication with meals.
• C. I will give a second dose if my child vomits.
• D. I will give my child water after giving the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement is D because giving the child water after administering digoxin helps ensure the medication is swallowed properly. Mixing the medication with juice (choice A) may affect its absorption. Giving the medication with meals (choice B) may interfere with its effectiveness. Administering a second dose if the child vomits (choice C) is not recommended as it may lead to an overdose.

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