Nursing Elites

1. When preparing an adolescent for a lumbar puncture, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Place a cardiac monitor on the adolescent prior to the procedure
• B. Apply topical analgesic cream to the site one hour prior to the procedure
• C. Keep the adolescent in a semi-Fowler's position for 4 hours following the procedure
• D. Restrict fluids for 2 hours following the procedure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse when preparing an adolescent for a lumbar puncture is to apply topical analgesic cream to the site one hour before the procedure. This helps reduce pain experienced during the lumbar puncture, making the procedure more comfortable for the adolescent. Placing a cardiac monitor on the adolescent is not necessary for a lumbar puncture. Keeping the adolescent in a semi-Fowler's position for 4 hours following the procedure is not a standard practice after a lumbar puncture. Restricting fluids for 2 hours following the procedure is not a requirement for a lumbar puncture preparation.

2. While caring for four different pediatric clients, which child is at the highest risk for dehydration?

• A. 7-year-old child with migraine headaches
• B. 4-year-old child with a broken arm
• C. 2-year-old child with cellulitis of the left leg
• D. 18-month-old child with tachypnea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The 18-month-old child with tachypnea is at the highest risk for dehydration due to increased insensible water loss associated with rapid breathing.

3. A toddler has minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and 3+ pitting edema. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Encourage an increased fluid intake for the toddler
• B. Place the child in an Airborne infection isolation room
• C. Increase the toddler's dietary sodium intake
• D. Administer corticosteroids to the toddler

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In managing minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) in children with pitting edema, corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and decrease proteinuria, addressing the underlying cause of MCNS. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize administering the prescribed corticosteroids to the toddler as part of the plan of care.

4. A child has Wilms' tumor and is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Palpate the child's abdomen daily for tumor size.
• B. Reposition the child frequently.
• C. Prepare the child for chemotherapy.
• D. Avoid palpating the abdomen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Palpating the abdomen of a child with Wilms' tumor should be avoided to prevent the risk of rupturing the tumor and spreading cancer cells. This action is crucial to maintain the child's safety and prevent potential complications before surgery.

5. The caregiver is teaching a parent of a young child with a newly diagnosed seizure disorder. The child is prescribed valproic acid (Depakote) for control of seizures. Which parental statement indicates the need for further education?

• A. I will not use carbonated beverages to dilute his medication.
• B. I will give his medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal upset.
• C. I will not let him chew his tablet.
• D. I will bring him to the physician's office for regular blood work to check his blood levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Valproic acid should be administered with food to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset. Giving it on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. The other statements are correct: A - Carbonated beverages should not be used to dilute the medication, C - The tablet should not be chewed, and D - Regular blood work is necessary to monitor valproic acid levels and potential side effects.

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