Nursing Elites

1. A patient in the emergency department reports taking sildenafil (Viagra) and nitroglycerin 1 hr before sexual activity. Which finding should the nurse immediately report to the physician?

• A. WBC of 3200 cells/mm³
• B. RR of 26 breaths/min
• C. Temp of 38°C
• D. BP of 70/50

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: BP of 70/50. When sildenafil (Viagra) is taken with nitroglycerin, it can cause severe hypotension that is unresponsive to treatment. The combination of these medications can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. It is crucial to immediately report hypotension in this scenario as it poses a significant risk to the patient's life. It is recommended to allow at least 24 hours to elapse between the last dose of sildenafil and nitroglycerin to prevent such adverse effects. The other vital signs and lab values may be abnormal but do not have the immediate life-threatening implications that severe hypotension does in this context.

2. A teacher states to the school nurse, 'I have a student who will often just stare at me for 15 seconds after asking a question; then the student blinks and asks me to repeat the question. Should I be concerned?' Which should the nurse include in the response to the teacher?

• A. The child has a crush on the teacher.
• B. The child has increased intracranial pressure.
• C. The child may have had a head injury.
• D. The child is experiencing absence seizures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Staring spells that end abruptly and are followed by normal activity are indicative of absence seizures. In absence seizures, a child may exhibit staring spells, brief loss of awareness, and lack of responsiveness, which can last for a few seconds. Choice A is incorrect because the behavior described is not associated with having a crush. Choice B is incorrect as increased intracranial pressure usually presents with other symptoms. Choice C is less likely as a head injury would typically manifest with additional signs beyond just staring and blinking.

3. When teaching parents of a school-aged child with a new diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the tibia, which statement by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. My child will have a cast until healing is complete.
• B. My child will receive antibiotics for several weeks.
• C. My child can return to playing sports once he is discharged.
• D. My child needs to be in contact isolation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osteomyelitis of the tibia typically requires antibiotic therapy for at least 4 weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the infection does not respond to antibiotics. Weight-bearing should be avoided with osteomyelitis to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a cast until healing, returning to sports immediately, and contact isolation are not primary management strategies for osteomyelitis.

4. A parent of an infant with congenital hypothyroidism is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Your child will need to take medication for a few months
• B. You will need to give your child the medication every other day
• C. Your child will need to take the medication until age 10
• D. Your child will need to take the medication for life

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Congenital hypothyroidism requires lifelong medication to manage the condition effectively. The nurse should emphasize to the parent that their child will need to take the medication for life to ensure proper thyroid hormone levels and prevent complications associated with hypothyroidism.

5. A child receives a vaccine for MMR. Six hours after the injection, the child’s parent reports local soreness, erythema, lethargy, and a fever of 101°F to a nurse. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Give instructions on relieving symptoms with acetaminophen
• B. Seek emergency help, because these symptoms are signs of anaphylactic reaction
• C. Tell the parent that a live vaccine will cause a mild case of measles
• D. Obtain and fill out a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Low-grade fever, malaise, and muscle aches are common reactions. Acetaminophen usually alleviates these problems. MMR is a live vaccine but it is attenuated or completely avirulent and does not cause measles in healthy children, only immunocompromised children.

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