Nursing Elites

1. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

2. When teaching a parent of a child with contact dermatitis, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Apply a thick layer of antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
• B. Rub the skin vigorously with a towel to dry it.
• C. Keep the child's skin dry.
• D. Apply a thin layer of corticosteroid cream to the affected area.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a child with contact dermatitis is to apply a thin layer of corticosteroid cream to the affected area. Corticosteroid cream helps reduce inflammation and itching associated with contact dermatitis. It is important to avoid using antibiotic ointment or rubbing the skin vigorously, as these can worsen the condition. Keeping the child's skin dry is generally a good practice, but in the case of contact dermatitis, corticosteroid cream application is more beneficial.

3. Which physical assessment technique should be omitted when caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Wilms' tumor?

• A. Performing range-of-motion exercises on lower extremities
• B. Palpating the abdomen
• C. Assessing for bowel sounds
• D. Percussing ankle and knee reflexes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Palpating the abdomen should be omitted when caring for a 2-year-old child diagnosed with Wilms' tumor because it could disturb the tumor and potentially cause the malignancy to spread. The other assessment techniques are safe to perform and provide valuable information about the child's condition. Range-of-motion exercises help assess mobility and joint health, assessing for bowel sounds is important to monitor gastrointestinal function, and percussing ankle and knee reflexes can help evaluate neurological responses.

4. Prior to hydrotherapy treatment for wound debridement following a burn injury, which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Apply topical antimicrobial ointment to the child's wound
• B. Place a mesh gauze dressing over the child's wound
• C. Administer an analgesic to the child
• D. Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy for the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Prior to hydrotherapy for wound debridement, it is crucial to administer an analgesic to the preschooler. The procedure is known to be extremely painful, and providing analgesia or sedation is essential to manage the discomfort and pain experienced by the child during the treatment. Choice A is incorrect because applying topical antimicrobial ointment is not a pre-procedural requirement but rather a post-procedure wound care step. Choice B is incorrect as placing a mesh gauze dressing does not address the pain management aspect. Choice D is also incorrect as prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not the primary intervention needed before hydrotherapy for wound debridement.

5. When providing teaching to the family of a school-age child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Limit the child's movement of the large joints.
• B. Encourage the child to perform independent self-care.
• C. Provide the child with a soft mattress for sleeping.
• D. Schedule a 2-hour daily nap for the child in the afternoon.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the child to perform independent self-care is essential when managing juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This instruction helps minimize pain and stiffness in the child's joints while promoting mobility and independence. It is crucial for the child to learn self-management skills early to cope better with the condition in the long term.

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