Nursing Elites

1. When educating a parent of an infant with a new prescription for digoxin, which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Repeat the dose if the infant vomits.
• B. Mix the medication with food.
• C. Give the medication with meals.
• D. Monitor the infant's heart rate prior to administering the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Monitor the infant's heart rate prior to administering the medication.' It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the infant's heart rate before giving digoxin to identify any signs of digoxin toxicity early. Heart rate assessment helps in detecting and preventing potential complications associated with digoxin use. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Repeating the dose if the infant vomits can lead to overdose, mixing the medication with food may alter its absorption, and giving the medication with meals can affect its effectiveness. Therefore, the priority is to monitor the infant's heart rate to ensure safe administration of digoxin.

2. A caregiver is teaching a parent of a child with a new prescription for ferrous sulfate tablets. Which of the following instructions should the caregiver include in the teaching?

• A. Give the medication with milk.
• B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Avoid giving the medication with orange juice.
• D. Brush the child's teeth after administration.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important for the caregiver to instruct the parent to brush the child's teeth after administering ferrous sulfate to prevent staining of the teeth. Iron in ferrous sulfate can cause teeth discoloration, so brushing the child's teeth after taking the medication helps prevent this side effect.

3. A healthcare provider at an urgent care clinic is assessing an adolescent client who has an upper respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings should the provider recognize as a manifestation of pertussis?

• A. Inflamed throat with exudate
• B. Purulent eye drainage
• C. Dry, hacking cough
• D. Koplik spots on buccal mucosa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dry, hacking cough.' A dry, hacking cough is a classic manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis typically presents with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, starting with a persistent, severe, and uncontrollable cough that can worsen at night. This cough is often followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound as the patient tries to catch their breath, hence the term 'whooping cough.' In contrast, options A, B, and D are not typically associated with pertussis. Inflamed throat with exudate may suggest a bacterial throat infection like streptococcal pharyngitis, purulent eye drainage is more indicative of a bacterial conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa are specific to measles. Therefore, recognizing the dry, hacking cough as a manifestation of pertussis is crucial for early identification and appropriate management of the disease.

4. When caring for an infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer antibiotics IM once per day.
• B. Initiate droplet precautions.
• C. Place the infant in a negative-pressure isolation room.
• D. Suction the nasopharynx as needed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an infant with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), maintaining a patent airway is crucial. Suctioning the nasopharynx as needed helps clear secretions, prevent airway obstruction, and promote effective breathing. This intervention can aid in improving the infant's respiratory status and overall comfort. Administering antibiotics IM once per day (Choice A) is not indicated for RSV as it is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Initiating droplet precautions (Choice B) is important to prevent the spread of respiratory infections like RSV, but directly caring for the infant involves more specific interventions. Placing the infant in a negative-pressure isolation room (Choice C) is generally reserved for airborne infections, not RSV which spreads through respiratory droplets.

5. During a home care visit for an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux, which parental action observed requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. The infant's formula is mixed with rice cereal.
• B. The mother positions the infant in a high Fowler position while feeding.
• C. After feeding, the infant is placed in a car seat.
• D. The mother administers ranitidine (Zantac) to the infant using a syringe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux in a car seat after feeding can increase the risk of reflux and aspiration. The semi-upright or high Fowler position is recommended to help reduce reflux symptoms during feeding. Adding rice cereal to formula can help thicken it and reduce reflux episodes. Administering ranitidine using a syringe is a common method of oral medication administration. Therefore, the action of placing the infant in a car seat after feeding is the one that requires intervention due to the increased risk it poses.

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