Nursing Elites

1. A school-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of these should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Correction of alkalosis
• B. Pain management and administration of heparin
• C. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII to correct the sickling
• D. Adequate hydration, oxygenation, and pain management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia require a comprehensive approach that includes adequate hydration to reduce blood viscosity, oxygenation to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, and aggressive pain management. This approach helps improve tissue perfusion and manage pain effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Correction of alkalosis is not a priority in vaso-occlusive crisis management. Administration of heparin is not indicated as it can increase the risk of bleeding in sickle cell patients. Factor VIII replacement is not relevant to sickle cell anemia as it is a treatment for hemophilia, not sickle cell disease.

2. What is the most effective method to prevent infection in the newborn?

• A. Using disposable items
• B. Practicing proper hand hygiene by staff and family
• C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
• D. Isolating the newborn from others

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective method to prevent infection in newborns is by practicing proper hand hygiene by staff and family. This is crucial as it helps reduce the transmission of infectious agents, protecting vulnerable newborns. Using disposable items may help, but proper hand hygiene is more effective. Administering prophylactic antibiotics without a specific indication can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended. Isolating the newborn from others is not practical and may not be necessary if proper hand hygiene is maintained.

3. What is the first step in managing a child with anaphylaxis?

• A. Administer antihistamines
• B. Establish IV access
• C. Administer epinephrine
• D. Monitor vital signs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer epinephrine. Administering epinephrine is the crucial first step in managing anaphylaxis as it helps reverse the severe allergic reaction by constricting blood vessels and relaxing airway muscles, preventing a life-threatening situation. Antihistamines (Choice A) are not the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and should not delay the administration of epinephrine. Establishing IV access (Choice B) may be necessary but is not the initial step in managing anaphylaxis. Monitoring vital signs (Choice D) is important but should not take precedence over administering epinephrine in the acute management of anaphylaxis.

4. When teaching a discipline class for parents of pre-schoolers, the nurse will be guided by which principle?

• A. Using the strictest form of punishment at the time of infraction is most effective
• B. Punishment increases unwanted behavior
• C. Discipline is to teach and gradually shift control from parents to child, promoting self-discipline
• D. Discipline and punishment are the same

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct principle to guide the nurse when teaching a discipline class for parents of pre-schoolers is that discipline is meant to teach and gradually shift control from parents to the child, promoting self-discipline. This approach focuses on educating children on appropriate behavior rather than solely relying on punishment. Choice A is incorrect because using the strictest punishment is not the most effective method for discipline. Choice B is incorrect because punishment can reinforce unwanted behavior if not used appropriately. Choice D is incorrect because discipline and punishment are not synonymous; discipline involves a broader aspect of teaching and guiding behavior.

5. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

• A. The perianal or rectal area
• B. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• C. The lower GI tract
• D. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

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