Nursing Elites

1. A parent brings their 4-year-old child for a check-up. Which finding would concern the nurse?

• A. Ectomorphic body type
• B. Resting pulse rate of 120
• C. Weight gain of 5 lb (2.27 kg) in the past year
• D. No increase in appetite compared with that in toddler years

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A resting pulse rate of 120 is elevated for a 4-year-old and may indicate an underlying issue that needs further investigation. An ectomorphic body type is a body shape and not typically a cause for concern. Weight gain within normal limits and no significant change in appetite are generally positive findings in a growing child.

2. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

3. What factor predisposes an infant to fluid imbalances?

• A. Decreased surface area
• B. Lower metabolic rate
• C. Immature kidney functioning
• D. Decreased daily exchange of extracellular fluid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infants have immature kidneys that are less efficient at concentrating urine, making them more susceptible to fluid imbalances. Their higher surface area to volume ratio also contributes to greater insensible fluid losses.

4. Why is knowledge of developmental theories useful for the nurse?

• A. Allows the nurse to know exactly what to do when caring for pediatric patients
• B. Is predictable and aids in controlling the child’s development
• C. Is a set of facts that each child follows in a prescribed method
• D. Provides a framework to guide the nurse in caring for the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Understanding developmental theories helps nurses anticipate and plan appropriate care based on the child’s developmental stage. Choice A is incorrect because developmental theories provide a framework but do not dictate exact actions. Choice B is incorrect as developmental processes are not entirely predictable and are not meant to control a child’s development. Choice C is incorrect as developmental theories are not a strict set of facts that all children follow in a prescribed manner, but rather guidelines for understanding and supporting a child's growth and development.

5. The parents of a young child ask the nurse for suggestions about discipline. When discussing the use of time-outs, which should the nurse include?

• A. Send the child to his or her room if the child has one.
• B. A general rule for length of time is 1 hour per year of age.
• C. Select an area that is safe and nonstimulating, such as a hallway.
• D. If the child cries, refuses, or is more disruptive, try another approach.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Time-outs should be in a safe, nonstimulating area, with the length typically being 1 minute per year of the child's age, not 1 hour.

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