Nursing Elites

1. A parent calls the hospital nursing hotline and asks, 'My 8-week-old infant cries 8 hours a day, and is hard to console. Is that normal?' What should the nurse's response be to this parent?

• A. No, call your health care provider.
• B. Let me ask you some more questions to see if there are symptoms of colic.
• C. Yes, maybe your infant is just tired.
• D. Yes, infants cry all the time at that age.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse to provide in this situation is to ask more questions to determine if the infant is displaying symptoms of colic. Colic is a common condition in infants that can lead to prolonged crying and fussiness. It is essential to assess for other symptoms before giving advice to the parent. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the possibility of colic or the need for further assessment of the infant's condition.

2. The nurse is taking vital signs on a group of assigned preschool-aged children. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further action?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
• B. Heart rate of 89 beats per minute
• C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is high for a preschool-aged child and may indicate an underlying issue that requires further assessment. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice A) is within the normal range for preschool children. Similarly, a heart rate of 89 beats per minute (choice B) falls within the expected range. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute (choice D) is slightly elevated but may not be as concerning as a heart rate of 120 beats per minute.

3. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

4. What diagnostic test allows visualization of renal parenchyma and renal pelvis without exposure to external-beam radiation or radioactive isotopes?

• A. Renal ultrasonography
• B. Computed tomography
• C. Intravenous pyelography
• D. Voiding cystourethrography

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Renal ultrasonography provides imaging of the renal parenchyma and pelvis without the risks associated with radiation or radioactive isotopes, making it a safer option, especially for children.

5. A parent brings their 2-year-old son in for a well visit. The nurse assesses his growth since the last appointment. Which finding should concern the nurse?

• A. Prominent abdomen
• B. Forward curve of the spine in the sacral area
• C. Increase in height of 5 inches in the past year
• D. Total weight gain of 15 lb in the past year

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A total weight gain of 15 lb in one year for a 2-year-old is excessive and may indicate an underlying issue such as a metabolic disorder or overfeeding. This rapid weight gain can put the child at risk for health problems. Choices A, B, and C are not typically concerning findings in a 2-year-old. A prominent abdomen can be normal at this age due to a toddler's slightly protruding belly, a forward curve of the spine at the sacral area is a typical finding in young children, and an increase in height of 5 inches in a year is within the expected range of growth for a 2-year-old.

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