Nursing Elites

1. When explaining a viral disease that begins with malaise and a highly pruritic rash starting on the abdomen, spreading to the face and proximal extremities, and potentially leading to severe complications, which childhood disease is a nurse discussing with members of a grammar school’s Parent-Teachers Association?

• A. Rubella
• B. Rubeola
• C. Chickenpox
• D. Scarlet fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Chickenpox (varicella). This viral disease typically starts with malaise and a highly pruritic rash that begins on the abdomen and then spreads to the face and proximal extremities. Chickenpox can result in serious complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Rubella (German measles) presents with a milder rash and is less pruritic than chickenpox. Rubeola (measles) is characterized by a rash that spreads from the head to the trunk. Scarlet fever is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria and is not a viral illness.

2. The nurse is teaching a group of parents about the side effects of immunization vaccines. Which sign should the nurse include when discussing an infant receiving the Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccine?

• A. Lethargy
• B. Urticaria
• C. Generalized rash
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D. Low-grade fever.' A low-grade fever is a common and mild side effect of the Hib vaccine, indicating that the immune system is responding to the immunization. Lethargy (choice A) can be a sign of more serious adverse effects and should be monitored closely but is not typically associated with the Hib vaccine. Urticaria (choice B) and generalized rash (choice C) are less common side effects of the Hib vaccine compared to low-grade fever.

3. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?

• A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
• B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
• C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
• D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is showing signs of shock with increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities helps improve venous return to the heart, cardiac output, and oxygenation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm. This action can alleviate the respiratory distress and is a critical step to take in a child with signs of shock. Beginning positive pressure ventilations (Choice B) should be considered if the infant's respiratory distress worsens despite lowering the extremities. Placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow (Choice C) may not directly address the increased work of breathing or the underlying shock condition. Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (Choice D) may provide information on lung sounds but does not address the immediate need to improve breathing in a child with signs of shock.

4. 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.

5. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus about blood glucose monitoring. What should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Checking blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime
• B. Using a lancet device to obtain blood samples
• C. Using urine test strips for monitoring
• D. Recognizing signs of hypoglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Checking blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime is essential for managing type 1 diabetes mellitus. This timing helps in assessing the effectiveness of insulin therapy, making adjustments to insulin doses, and preventing hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Option B is incorrect because it focuses on the method of obtaining blood samples rather than the timing of monitoring. Option C is incorrect as urine test strips are not recommended for accurate blood glucose monitoring in type 1 diabetes. Option D, recognizing signs of hypoglycemia, is important but not the primary emphasis when teaching about blood glucose monitoring.

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