Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is teaching parents about why most children should be immunized against varicella (chickenpox) and why some receiving specific medications should not. Which medication should be included in the discussion?

• A. Insulin
• B. Steroids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Anticonvulsants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Steroids. Children receiving steroids should not receive the varicella vaccine as it can increase the risk of severe infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Insulin (Choice A), antibiotics (Choice C), and anticonvulsants (Choice D) do not interact with the varicella vaccine in the same way as steroids, and therefore, they are not contraindicated.

2. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

• A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
• B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
• C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
• D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects to conserve the infant's energy by eliminating the need for sucking. This is important because sucking requires energy expenditure, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac defects. Choice A is incorrect as gavage feedings do not primarily limit the chance of vomiting. Choice B is incorrect because the speed of feeding administration is not the primary reason for using gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect as the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the main purpose of gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.

3. What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a tonsillectomy?

• A. Explaining the procedure in detail
• B. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
• C. Discussing the importance of hydration
• D. Using play therapy to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging deep breathing exercises is crucial preoperative teaching for a child scheduled for a tonsillectomy as it helps improve lung function and can prevent postoperative complications like pneumonia. Explaining the procedure in detail may heighten the child's anxiety, making it less ideal. While discussing hydration is important, it may not be the top priority for preoperative teaching for this specific procedure. Play therapy can reduce fear and anxiety, but encouraging deep breathing exercises directly contributes to better postoperative outcomes by enhancing respiratory function.

4. At 2 years of age, a child is readmitted to the hospital for additional surgery. What is the most important factor in preparing the toddler for this experience?

• A. Meeting the child’s wishes
• B. Previous hospitalization experience
• C. Preventing the child from staying with strangers
• D. Ensuring ongoing parental affection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important factor in preparing a toddler for additional surgery is their previous hospitalization experience. This familiarity with the hospital setting and procedures can help reduce anxiety and fear in the child. Choice A, meeting the child's wishes, may not always align with what is medically necessary or safe for the child. Choice C, preventing the child from staying with strangers, is important for general comfort but may not directly address the child's preparation for surgery. Choice D, ensuring ongoing parental affection, is crucial for emotional support but may not have the same impact as the child's previous hospitalization experience in preparing them for the surgery.

5. After surgery to correct hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in a 3-week-old infant who had been formula-fed, which postoperative feeding order is appropriate?

• A. Thickened formula 24 hours after surgery
• B. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours
• C. Regular formula feeding within 24 hours after surgery
• D. Additional glucose feedings as desired after the first 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), it is appropriate to resume regular formula feeding within 24 hours postoperatively to promote recovery. Choice A, thickened formula after surgery, may be too heavy for the infant's digestive system at this early stage. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as early feeding helps with recovery. Additional glucose feedings (Choice D) are not necessary and may not provide the balanced nutrition required after surgery.

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