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. What is the recommended sleep duration for 14-17-year-olds?

• A. 14-17 hours
• B. 8-10 hours
• C. 12-15 hours
• D. 9-11 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The recommended sleep duration for adolescents aged 14-17 is 8-10 hours to promote optimal health. Getting enough sleep is crucial for their physical and mental well-being, as it supports growth, development, learning, and overall health.

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a child on bed rest who has severe edema in the left lower extremity due to blocked lymphatic drainage. Which nursing diagnosis would take priority?

• A. Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
• B. Risk for Altered Body Image
• C. Risk for Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements
• D. Risk for Activity Intolerance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity' because severe edema in the left lower extremity can lead to compromised circulation and pressure ulcers, increasing the risk of skin breakdown and infection. Addressing and preventing impaired skin integrity is crucial for the child's overall health and well-being.

4. A neonate with a meningomyelocele is scheduled for surgery in the morning. Which nursing action is appropriate for this neonate?

• A. Applying a diaper to prevent contamination of the sac
• B. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position
• C. Encouraging the mother to hold the newborn because she will not be able to pick him up after surgery
• D. Positioning the newborn in a prone position

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the newborn in a prone position is appropriate for a neonate with a meningomyelocele before surgery. Placing the newborn in this position helps prevent pressure on the sac, reducing the risk of damaging it and promoting optimal surgical outcomes. Applying a diaper (choice A) may not be recommended as it can increase pressure on the sac. Positioning the newborn in a side-lying position (choice B) or encouraging the mother to hold the newborn (choice C) are not ideal actions before surgery as they do not address the specific needs of a neonate with a meningomyelocele.

5. What is the most appropriate nursing consideration for a patient who is prescribed verapamil and digoxin?

• A. Restrict intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods
• B. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds before administration
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
• D. Hold the medications if the heart rate is greater than 110 bpm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed verapamil and digoxin, it is crucial to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity due to the potential interaction between these medications. Verapamil can elevate digoxin blood serum levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing consideration is to notify the healthcare provider of these symptoms. Restricting intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods is not a specific consideration related to this medication combination. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to take an apical pulse for a full minute, not just 30 seconds, to ensure accuracy. Additionally, holding the medications if the heart rate exceeds 110 bpm is not a typical response to the combination of verapamil and digoxin, which can cause bradycardia rather than tachycardia.

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