Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of a child with tetralogy of Fallot that indicates an elevated RBC count. What does the professional identify as the cause of the polycythemia?

• A. Low tissue oxygen needs
• B. Tissue oxygen needs
• C. Diminished iron level
• D. Hypertrophic cardiac muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs as the body's response to chronic hypoxia by increasing RBC production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, the heart's structure causes reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This chronic hypoxia stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, leading to an elevated RBC count. Choice A is incorrect as low blood pressure is not directly related to polycythemia in this context. Choice C, diminished iron level, is not the cause of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is not the primary cause of the elevated RBC count in this case.

2. What intervention best meets a major developmental need of a newborn in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Giving a pacifier to the newborn
• B. Placing a mobile over the newborn's crib
• C. Providing the newborn with a soft, cuddly toy
• D. Warming the newborn's formula before feeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is giving a pacifier to the newborn. Sucking is a natural reflex and a source of comfort for newborns, especially postoperatively. Offering a pacifier can help meet their developmental needs by providing comfort and a soothing mechanism. Placing a mobile over the crib (choice B) may provide visual stimulation but does not directly address the newborn's developmental needs for comfort and self-soothing. Providing a soft, cuddly toy (choice C) may offer some comfort but may not be as effective in meeting the specific developmental need for sucking postoperatively. Warming the newborn's formula before feeding (choice D) relates more to feeding practices than directly addressing a major developmental need in the postoperative period.

3. What is the most common cause of seizures in children?

• A. An abrupt rise in body temperature
• B. An inflammatory process in the brain
• C. A temperature greater than 102°F
• D. A life-threatening infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from a temperature greater than 102°F, known as febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are commonly triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature due to infections or other causes. Choice A is incorrect as febrile seizures are not necessarily caused by the abrupt rise in body temperature alone. Choice B is incorrect as inflammatory processes in the brain may lead to other types of seizures but are not the most common cause in children. Choice D is incorrect as not all seizures in children are due to life-threatening infections.

4. A 4-year-old child is scheduled for a myringotomy. What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching?

• A. Explain the procedure in simple terms
• B. Encourage fluid intake
• C. Allow the child to play with medical equipment
• D. Use play therapy to prepare the child

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Explaining the procedure in simple terms is essential preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy. This approach helps the child understand what will happen during the procedure, reducing anxiety and fear. Encouraging fluid intake is a good general health practice but not directly related to preoperative teaching for this procedure. Allowing the child to play with medical equipment may not be safe or appropriate as it can lead to misunderstanding or fear. Using play therapy can be beneficial but explaining the procedure in simple terms is more direct and effective for preoperative teaching in this case.

5. A 7-month-old girl is to be catheterized to obtain a sterile urine specimen. One of the infant’s parents expresses fear that this procedure may traumatize the baby psychologically. How should the nurse provide reassurance?

• A. The fear is justified and the nurse should obtain a “clean catch” specimen.
• B. Parents have a right to refuse the catheterization and the concerns are realistic.
• C. Although the concern is appropriate, the need for a sterile specimen is the priority.
• D. The procedure is uncomfortable, but there should not be a damaging long-term effect.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While catheterization can be uncomfortable, it does not typically result in long-term psychological harm, and obtaining a sterile specimen is important for accurate diagnosis.

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