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. A 1-month-old girl with low-set ears and severe hypotonia has been diagnosed with trisomy 18. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as most likely?

• A. Interrupted family process related to the child's diagnosis
• B. Deficient knowledge related to the genetic disorder
• C. Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis
• D. Ineffective coping related to the stress of providing care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely nursing diagnosis for a 1-month-old girl with trisomy 18, characterized by low-set ears and severe hypotonia, is 'Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis.' Trisomy 18 is associated with a poor prognosis, and families often experience grief as they come to terms with the challenges and uncertainties associated with the condition. 'Interrupted family process' may not be as relevant since the primary focus is on the child's condition. 'Deficient knowledge related to the genetic disorder' could be important but may not be the most likely initial concern, as emotional support for the family is crucial at this point. 'Ineffective coping related to the stress of providing care' is a broad diagnosis that does not specifically address the emotional response to the child's prognosis, which is the primary concern in this case.

3. The nurse is caring for an 8-year-old girl with an endocrine disorder involving the posterior pituitary gland. What care would the nurse expect to implement?

• A. Instructing the parents to report adverse reactions to the growth hormone treatment
• B. Teaching the parents how to administer desmopressin acetate
• C. Informing the parents that treatment continues during puberty
• D. Educating the parents to report signs of acute adrenal crisis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a child with a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, desmopressin acetate is a medication commonly used to manage the condition by replacing the antidiuretic hormone. Instructing the parents on how to administer desmopressin acetate correctly is essential for the child's care. Choice A is incorrect because growth hormone treatment is not typically used for posterior pituitary disorders. Choice C is incorrect as treatment for this condition usually continues beyond puberty. Choice D is incorrect as acute adrenal crisis is not directly related to a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland.

4. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
• B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
• C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
• D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.

5. Before starting kindergarten, the child should receive boosters of which primary immunizations to ensure ongoing protection?

• A. IPV, HepB, Td.
• B. DTaP, HepB, Td.
• C. MMR, DTaP, Hib.
• D. DTaP, IPV, MMR.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Before starting kindergarten, the child should receive boosters of DTaP, IPV, and MMR. DTaP provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, IPV protects against polio, and MMR immunization covers measles, mumps, and rubella. These boosters are essential to maintain immunity and protect the child from these diseases as they enter school. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not include the recommended boosters for kindergarten entry and may leave the child susceptible to certain infections.

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