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. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.

3. A child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Encouraging a diet high in protein
• B. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• C. Applying heat to affected joints
• D. Providing range-of-motion exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of JIA to help alleviate symptoms. While encouraging a diet high in protein, applying heat to affected joints, and providing range-of-motion exercises are essential components of care, addressing pain and inflammation with NSAIDs is the priority intervention. This is because controlling pain and inflammation is crucial in improving the child's comfort and quality of life, which takes precedence over other supportive measures.

4. A child with a diagnosis of appendicitis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Maintaining strict NPO status
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is to monitor for signs of infection. This is crucial to ensure that any potential infections are promptly identified and managed before surgery. Administering antibiotics, maintaining strict NPO status, and encouraging fluid intake are important interventions in various clinical situations but are not the priority in this scenario. Administering antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan but is typically prescribed by a physician. Maintaining NPO status is important to prevent complications related to anesthesia but may not directly address the specific needs of a child with appendicitis. Encouraging fluid intake is generally beneficial for hydration but may not be the primary concern before surgery for appendicitis.

5. A 2-year-old child with a diagnosis of hemophilia is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the care plan?

• A. Encourage participation in contact sports
• B. Use a soft toothbrush for oral care
• C. Administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• D. Administer aspirin for pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to use a soft toothbrush for oral care. Children with hemophilia have a decreased ability to form blood clots, leading to prolonged bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush helps prevent trauma to the gums and oral mucosa, reducing the risk of bleeding. Encouraging participation in contact sports (Choice A) is contraindicated in hemophiliac patients due to the high risk of injury and bleeding. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Choice C) and aspirin (Choice D) should be avoided in hemophilia as they can further increase the risk of bleeding due to their antiplatelet effects.

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