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. When assessing a child with a possible fracture, what would be the most reliable indicator for the nurse to identify?

• A. Lack of spontaneous movement
• B. Point tenderness
• C. Bruising
• D. Inability to bear weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Point tenderness is the most reliable indicator of a possible fracture in a child. It refers to localized pain at a specific point, indicating a potential bone injury. Lack of spontaneous movement (Choice A) is non-specific and can be due to various reasons. Bruising (Choice C) may be present in fractures but is not as specific as point tenderness. Inability to bear weight (Choice D) can also be seen in fractures but may not always be present, making it less reliable compared to point tenderness.

3. When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, general guidelines include

• A. examining the child in the parent's arms
• B. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first
• C. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen
• D. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach helps reduce anxiety, provide comfort, and establish trust with the child. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first (Choice B) may cause discomfort and increase anxiety in the child. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice C) without considering the child's comfort and security may lead to resistance and inaccurate assessment. Separating the child from the parent (Choice D) can exacerbate the child's anxiety and hinder the examination process. Therefore, examining the child in the parent's arms is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.

4. 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.

5. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. Order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. Count the radial pulse every minute for five times
• C. Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. Have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, it is important for nurses to count the apical pulse for a full minute and compare it with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias because discrepancies between the apical and radial pulse rates can indicate irregular heart rhythms. Option A is incorrect because ordering an immediate electrocardiogram may not always be feasible or necessary as a first step. Option B, counting the radial pulse multiple times, is less accurate than comparing the apical and radial pulse rates. Option D involves an unnecessary step of having another person take simultaneous pulses when the nurse can do it effectively alone.

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