Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of an infant who is receiving treatment for severe dehydration. The professional should identify which of the following laboratory values indicates effectiveness of the current treatment?

• A. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
• B. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• C. Urine specific gravity 1.035
• D. BUN 25 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sodium level of 140 mEq/L within the expected reference range indicates effective treatment for dehydration. In dehydration, sodium levels are often elevated, so a normal sodium level suggests that the treatment is helping to restore the electrolyte balance in the infant's body.

2. 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.

3. What does a Z-score of -3.00 indicate?

• A. The child's score indicates he is ahead of his peers and performing well
• B. The child's score places him within normal limits on this test item
• C. The test is inconclusive
• D. The child's score falls below the majority of his peers on this test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A Z-score of -3.00 indicates that the child's performance is significantly below the average of their peers. It represents an extreme low score, indicating a substantial deviation from the mean performance of the group.

4. 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.

5. When caring for a child with hyponatremia, a nurse delegates care to a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and instructs the LVN to promptly report which clinical manifestation?

• A. Seizures
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Seizures are a significant concern in severe hyponatremia as they indicate potential neurological complications and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further harm to the child. Prompt reporting of seizures allows for timely assessment and appropriate treatment to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

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