Nursing Elites

1. What advice should be provided by the practical nurse to the mother of a school-age child with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration who is occasionally vomiting despite being given an oral rehydration solution (ORS)?

• A. Continue to give ORS frequently in small amounts.
• B. Alternate between ORS and carbonated beverages.
• C. Take the child to the hospital for intravenous fluids.
• D. Place the child NPO for the next eight to nine hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The practical nurse should advise the mother to continue providing the oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently in small amounts. It is essential to continue ORS administration to prevent dehydration, even if the child is occasionally vomiting. Small, frequent amounts of ORS help maintain hydration levels in children with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration.

2. During a well-baby check of a 7-month-old infant, the practical nurse notes an absence of babbling. Which focused assessment should the PN implement?

• A. Visual function.
• B. Auditory function.
• C. Cognitive function.
• D. Social development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absence of babbling in a 7-month-old infant is a concerning auditory development milestone. Babbling is an early stage of language development that involves making various sounds. A lack of babbling could indicate a hearing impairment or other auditory issues. Therefore, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the infant's auditory function to determine if further evaluation or intervention is necessary. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the absence of babbling specifically points towards a potential issue related to auditory function rather than visual, cognitive, or social development.

3. The nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who was admitted for dehydration due to gastroenteritis. The child is now receiving IV fluids and appears more alert. What is the best indicator that the child’s condition is improving?

• A. The child is more alert and playful
• B. The child’s urine output has increased
• C. The child’s vital signs are stable
• D. The child is tolerating small amounts of oral fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased urine output is a reliable indicator that hydration status is improving. While alertness and playfulness are positive signs, increased urine output directly reflects improved hydration. Stable vital signs are important but may not directly indicate hydration status. Tolerating small amounts of oral fluids is a good sign but may not be as direct an indicator as increased urine output.

4. The mother of a 4-month-old asks the nurse for advice in preventing diaper rash. What suggestion should the nurse provide?

• A. At diaper change generously powder the baby's diaper area with talcum powder to promote dryness.
• B. Wash the diaper area every 2 hours with soap and water to help prevent skin breakdown.
• C. Use a barrier cream, such as zinc oxide, which does not have to be completely removed with each diaper change.
• D. Place a cloth diaper inside the disposable diaper for overnight periods when increased wearing time is likely.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Using a barrier cream like zinc oxide protects the skin and helps prevent diaper rash.

5. A 2-year-old child with heart failure (HF) is admitted for replacement of a graft for coarctation of the aorta. Prior to administering the next dose of digoxin (Lanoxin), the nurse obtains an apical heart rate of 128 bpm. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Determine the pulse deficit.
• B. Administer the scheduled dose.
• C. Calculate the safe dose range.
• D. Review the serum digoxin level.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering the scheduled dose is appropriate in this scenario since the heart rate of 128 bpm is within an acceptable range for a 2-year-old child with heart failure. Monitoring for signs of digoxin toxicity is important; however, the immediate action required is to administer the scheduled dose as prescribed based on the heart rate assessment.

Similar Questions