Nursing Elites

1. A school nurse is teaching parents of school-age children about the importance of immunizations for childhood communicable diseases. What preventable disease may cause the complication of encephalitis?

• A. Varicella
• B. Scarlet fever
• C. Poliomyelitis
• D. Whooping cough

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Varicella (chickenpox), choice A. Varicella can lead to the complication of encephalitis, which is the inflammation of the brain. Scarlet fever (choice B) is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and does not typically lead to encephalitis. Poliomyelitis (choice C) is a viral infection that affects the nervous system but does not directly cause encephalitis. Whooping cough (choice D), also known as pertussis, primarily affects the respiratory system and does not commonly result in encephalitis.

2. After a cardiac catheterization, what is the priority nursing care for a 3-year-old child?

• A. Encouraging early ambulation
• B. Monitoring the site for bleeding
• C. Restricting fluids until the blood pressure is stabilized
• D. Comparing the blood pressure of both lower extremities

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a cardiac catheterization, the priority nursing care for a 3-year-old child is monitoring the site for bleeding. This is essential to promptly identify and address any signs of bleeding or hematoma formation, which are potential complications of the procedure. Encouraging early ambulation may be beneficial post-procedure but ensuring site integrity takes precedence. Restricting fluids until blood pressure stabilization is not a standard post-catheterization practice, as adequate hydration is crucial for recovery. Comparing the blood pressure of both lower extremities is not a priority immediate nursing action after a cardiac catheterization in a pediatric patient.

3. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old boy whose parents brought him to the clinic when they noticed that the right side of his abdomen was swollen. What finding would suggest this child has a neuroblastoma?

• A. The child has a maculopapular rash on his palms.
• B. The parents report that their son is vomiting and not eating well.
• C. The parents report that their son is irritable and not gaining weight.
• D. Auscultation reveals wheezing with diminished lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vomiting and poor appetite are common symptoms of neuroblastoma, a malignancy that arises from neural crest cells in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system. This tumor can cause abdominal swelling due to its location and size, leading to symptoms like vomiting and decreased appetite. The presence of a maculopapular rash on the palms (Choice A) is not a typical finding associated with neuroblastoma. Irritability and failure to thrive (Choice C) are nonspecific symptoms that can be seen in various conditions but are not specifically indicative of neuroblastoma. Auscultation revealing wheezing with diminished lung sounds (Choice D) may suggest respiratory conditions rather than neuroblastoma.

4. A health care provider orders a tap water enema for a 6-month-old infant with suspected Hirschsprung disease. What rationale causes the nurse to question the order?

• A. The result could lead to loss of necessary nutrients.
• B. It could cause a fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
• C. It could increase the fear of intrusive procedures.
• D. The result could cause shock from a sudden drop in temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tap water enemas can cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in infants, making them unsafe for this age group. Choice A is incorrect because tap water enemas do not directly lead to loss of necessary nutrients. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on emotional impact rather than physiological risks. Choice D is incorrect as shock from a sudden drop in temperature is not a common consequence of a tap water enema in this scenario.

5. At 7 AM, a healthcare professional receives the information that an adolescent with diabetes has a 6:30 AM fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action at this time?

• A. Encourage the adolescent to start exercising.
• B. Ask the adolescent to obtain an immediate glucometer reading.
• C. Inform the adolescent that a complex carbohydrate such as cheese should be eaten.
• D. Tell the adolescent that the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin should be administered.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority nursing action in this situation is to administer the prescribed dose of rapid-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin is necessary to help lower the elevated blood glucose level quickly, thereby preventing potential complications of hyperglycemia. Encouraging exercise, obtaining a glucometer reading, or suggesting consumption of complex carbohydrates like cheese may not address the immediate need to bring down the high blood glucose level effectively. Exercise could potentially raise blood glucose levels, obtaining a glucometer reading may delay necessary treatment, and consuming complex carbohydrates can further elevate blood glucose levels in this scenario.

Similar Questions