Nursing Elites

1. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

2. An infant is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with exstrophy of the bladder. What covering should the nurse use to protect the exposed area?

• A. Loose diaper
• B. Dry gauze dressing
• C. Moist sterile dressing
• D. Petroleum jelly gauze pad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A moist sterile dressing should be used to protect the exposed bladder tissue from infection and injury. Exstrophy of the bladder requires careful management to prevent complications such as infection. A loose diaper (Choice A) may not provide adequate protection or prevent infection. Dry gauze dressing (Choice B) may not be ideal as it could adhere to the exposed area and cause trauma upon removal. Petroleum jelly gauze pad (Choice D) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.

3. When the working mother of a toddler is preparing to take her child home after a prolonged hospitalization, she asks the nurse what type of behavior she should expect to be displayed. What is the nurse’s most appropriate description of her child’s probable behavior?

• A. Excessively demanding behavior
• B. Hostile attitude toward the mother
• C. Cheerful, with shallow attachment behaviors
• D. Withdrawn, without emotional ties to the mother

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After a prolonged hospitalization, a toddler may exhibit excessively demanding behavior as they readjust to being home. This behavior can be a result of the child seeking extra attention and reassurance after a stressful experience. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because hostility, cheerfulness with shallow attachment, and withdrawal without emotional ties are less likely outcomes in this situation and do not align with common reactions of toddlers after hospitalization.

4. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?

• A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and remove for 60 minutes.
• B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
• C. May take an NSAID for pain as prescribed.
• D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Applying ice in intervals helps to reduce swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after a sprain. This intervention is crucial in the initial management of a sprain to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as prolonged immobilization can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. Allowing the child to take an NSAID for pain as prescribed (Choice C) is a supportive measure but not as essential as ice application in the acute phase. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours (Choice D) may assist in reducing swelling, but it is not as critical as the immediate application of ice to manage pain and inflammation effectively.

5. The mother of a 5-year-old boy with a myelomeningocele, who has developed a sensitivity to latex, is being taught by the nurse. Which response from his mother indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. He needs to wear a medical alert identification.
• B. I will need to inform his caregivers about his latex sensitivity.
• C. A product's label always indicates whether it is latex-free.
• D. He must avoid any contact with latex.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'A product's label always indicates whether it is latex-free,' indicates a need for further teaching. Not all products are clearly labeled as latex-free; therefore, it is essential to verify with manufacturers and healthcare providers. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate appropriate understanding of managing latex sensitivity in the child. Wearing a medical alert identification (Choice A), informing caregivers (Choice B), and avoiding all contact with latex (Choice D) are all important aspects of managing a child's latex sensitivity.

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