Nursing Elites

1. When preparing to insert an intravenous catheter for a 7-year-old child, which of the following actions should a healthcare professional take?

• A. Apply an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure.
• B. Use a 16-gauge needle for the insertion.
• C. Insert the catheter into a vein of the child's dominant hand.
• D. Choose a site over the child's metacarpal veins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Applying an anesthetic cream to the insertion site 1 hr before the procedure is crucial when inserting an intravenous catheter in a child to minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure. This practice is especially important in pediatric patients to ensure a more comfortable experience and improve cooperation during the insertion process. Choice B is incorrect as a 16-gauge needle is too large for a child, and a smaller gauge needle is typically used. Choice C is incorrect as the catheter should be inserted into a suitable vein, not specifically the dominant hand vein. Choice D is incorrect as metacarpal veins are usually avoided due to their small size and the potential for complications.

2. A teacher states to the school nurse, 'I have a student who will often just stare at me for 15 seconds after asking a question; then the student blinks and asks me to repeat the question. Should I be concerned?' Which should the nurse include in the response to the teacher?

• A. The child has a crush on the teacher.
• B. The child has increased intracranial pressure.
• C. The child may have had a head injury.
• D. The child is experiencing absence seizures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Staring spells that end abruptly and are followed by normal activity are indicative of absence seizures. In absence seizures, a child may exhibit staring spells, brief loss of awareness, and lack of responsiveness, which can last for a few seconds. Choice A is incorrect because the behavior described is not associated with having a crush. Choice B is incorrect as increased intracranial pressure usually presents with other symptoms. Choice C is less likely as a head injury would typically manifest with additional signs beyond just staring and blinking.

3. During an assessment, which manifestation should a healthcare provider expect in an infant with pyloric stenosis?

• A. Bile-stained vomitus
• B. Distended abdomen
• C. Olive-shaped mass in the upper abdomen
• D. Painless, swollen joints

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pyloric stenosis in infants typically presents with an olive-shaped mass in the upper abdomen due to hypertrophy of the pyloric muscle. This mass can often be palpated during an assessment and is a key characteristic of this condition. Bile-stained vomitus may be seen in conditions such as intestinal obstruction; a distended abdomen can be a nonspecific sign of various conditions, and painless, swollen joints are not typically associated with pyloric stenosis.

4. During a physical assessment of a hospitalized 5-year-old child, the healthcare provider notes that the foreskin has been retracted and is very tight on the shaft of the penis; they are unable to return it over the head of the penis. What action should the healthcare provider implement?

• A. Forcibly push the foreskin down over the head of the penis.
• B. Place a warm compress on the penis.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider in charge.
• D. Wait a few hours and try again.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to notify the healthcare provider in charge of this occurrence of paraphimosis. Paraphimosis is a urologic emergency where the foreskin is retracted and becomes tight, potentially impeding blood flow to the penis. It is crucial to seek medical intervention promptly to prevent complications.

5. A healthcare professional is planning care for an infant who has a colostomy. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Change the ostomy pouch every day.
• B. Use baby wipes to clean the stoma.
• C. Avoid using soap to clean the stoma.
• D. Apply barrier ointment to the skin around the stoma.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an infant with a colostomy, it is essential to apply barrier ointment to the skin around the stoma. This helps in preventing skin breakdown and irritation caused by exposure to stool or urine. Changing the ostomy pouch as needed, using appropriate cleaning supplies such as warm water and mild soap (avoiding harsh chemicals like alcohol), and ensuring gentle cleaning of the stoma with a soft cloth or gauze are also important steps in colostomy care. Using baby wipes may not be recommended as they can contain chemicals that may irritate the sensitive skin around the stoma.

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