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 LPN is caring for a 1-month-old patient post-surgery. Which pain scale is expected to be used to evaluate post-op pain?

• A. Oucher
• B. Wong-Baker FACES
• C. FLACC
• D. 0-10 pain scale

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is commonly used to assess pain in infants and young children who are unable to verbally communicate their pain. This scale is particularly useful in assessing post-operative pain in infants as it evaluates different behaviors and physiological responses to pain. The Oucher scale is more commonly used with children who are older and can provide self-report of pain intensity. Wong-Baker FACES scale is primarily used with children who are older and can indicate their pain level by pointing to facial expressions. The 0-10 pain scale is typically used with older children and adults who can rate their pain on a numerical scale.

3. In teaching parents about appropriate pacifier selection, the nurse should recommend which characteristic?

• A. Easily grasped handle
• B. Detachable shield for cleaning
• C. Soft, pliable material
• D. Ribbon or string to secure to clothing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A pacifier with an easily grasped handle is safer and more convenient for the infant to use without the risk of choking hazards that detachable parts might pose.

4. A newborn is admitted to the nursery with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. The mother refuses to see or hold her infant. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Restate what the physician has told her about plastic surgery
• B. Suggest holding her baby without making eye contact
• C. Encourage and allow the mother to express her feelings
• D. Recognize and allow the mother to express her feelings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the priority is to acknowledge and validate the mother's feelings, creating a supportive environment for her. Option D is correct as it focuses on recognizing and allowing the mother to express her emotions. This approach can help build trust and facilitate communication. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not address the mother's emotional needs and may come across as dismissive. Option C is less appropriate as it only encourages expression without explicitly recognizing the mother's current emotional state.

5. A 4-month-old infant is discharged home after surgery for the repair of a cleft lip. What should instructions to the parents include?

• A. Provide crib toys for distraction
• B. Breast- or bottle-feeding can begin immediately
• C. Give pain medication to the infant to minimize crying
• D. Leave the infant in the crib at all times to prevent suture strain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain management is essential postoperatively to reduce crying, which could place strain on the surgical site. Feeding and holding the infant are allowed, but care should be taken to avoid placing pressure on the suture line.

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