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. The nurse is discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a 17-year-old student. Which cognitive development theory should the teaching plan be based on?

• A. Sensorimotor reactions
• B. Limited cause and effect understanding
• C. Abstract thinking
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Abstract thinking.' According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, adolescents, typically around the age of 12 and older, enter the formal operational stage where they can think abstractly and reason about hypothetical situations. When discussing complex topics like STIs with a 17-year-old student, it is essential to base the teaching plan on abstract thinking. Choice A, 'Sensorimotor reactions,' is incorrect as it pertains to the earliest stage in Piaget's theory (birth to 2 years old) focusing on sensory experiences and physical interactions. Choice B, 'Limited cause and effect understanding,' does not align with the cognitive abilities of a 17-year-old who is capable of more advanced thinking. Choice D, 'Concrete thinking,' is also incorrect as it refers to the stage before formal operations, where individuals think more concretely and struggle with abstract concepts.

3. What is the primary treatment goal for a child with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Reduce proteinuria
• B. Lower blood pressure
• C. Increase urine output
• D. Prevent infections

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reduce proteinuria. In nephrotic syndrome, the primary treatment goal is to reduce proteinuria to prevent further kidney damage. Lowering blood pressure (choice B) is important in managing some types of kidney disease but is not the primary treatment goal in nephrotic syndrome. Increasing urine output (choice C) and preventing infections (choice D) are important aspects of supportive care but are not the primary treatment goal for nephrotic syndrome.

4. In which type of cancer are the urinary excretion of the breakdown products of catecholamines, especially vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA), detected?

• A. Neuroblastoma
• B. Nephroblastoma
• C. Leukemia
• D. Osteosarcoma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma, a cancer that arises from nerve tissue, is associated with increased levels of catecholamine metabolites, including VMA and HVA, in the urine. Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) is a type of kidney cancer and is not typically associated with elevated levels of catecholamine breakdown products. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and does not lead to increased VMA and HVA excretion in urine. Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer and is not linked to elevated levels of catecholamine metabolites in the urine.

5. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

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