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. Which assessment finding would necessitate action by the nurse for a 10-month-old child who is 4 hours postoperative for the placement of a urethral stent?

• A. Bloody urine
• B. One void since returning from surgery
• C. Bladder spasms responding to pharmacologic intervention
• D. Double diapering from the previous shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a postoperative scenario after the placement of a urethral stent, monitoring the child's voiding frequency is crucial. Having only one void since returning from surgery could indicate potential issues like urinary retention, which necessitates prompt nursing intervention to prevent complications.

3. Which statement best reflects a top-down approach to the evaluation process?

• A. OT focuses on evaluating the child's poor performance in hand skills
• B. OT conducts an assessment to determine a motor age for fine motor and gross motor skills
• C. OT initiates by interviewing the family about routines, interests, and daily habits
• D. OT starts by assessing muscle tone, postural control, and range of motion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A top-down evaluation approach in occupational therapy begins with understanding the child's daily life, family routines, interests, and habits to ensure that the therapy provided is relevant and meaningful within the child's natural environment. By initiating the evaluation process with family interviews to gather contextual information, the occupational therapist gains a comprehensive view of the child's life, which allows for a more holistic and client-centered approach. Choice A focuses solely on the child's poor performance in hand skills, which is more characteristic of a bottom-up approach. Choice B mentions determining a motor age, which is not necessarily aligned with a top-down assessment. Choice D emphasizes physical assessments like muscle tone and range of motion, which are important but do not capture the essence of a top-down approach that considers the child's environment and routines.

4. How should professionals communicate with parents and family members?

• A. Share information with both parents to distribute the stress equally
• B. Share information with one parent to ensure accuracy
• C. Share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether family or not
• D. Provide information in writing exclusively to ensure clear communication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When professionals communicate with parents and family members, it is essential to share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether they are family members or not. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone involved in the child's care and well-being is well-informed and can provide support as needed. It is important to consider the broader network of individuals who play a role in the child's life to promote comprehensive and effective communication.

5. A nasogastric tube for suction is ordered for a neonate diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. Which complication related to gastric drainage is the priority when planning care for this neonate?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Dehydration
• D. Hyperbilirubinemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Metabolic alkalosis is the priority complication to consider when a neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia is placed on gastric suction. Prolonged gastric drainage can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which can have serious consequences for the neonate's health.

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