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 2-year-old child who was admitted to the hospital for further surgical repair of a clubfoot is standing in the crib, crying. The child refuses to be comforted and calls for the mother. As the nurse approaches the crib to provide morning care, the child screams louder. Knowing that this behavior is typical of the stage of protest, what is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Use comforting measures while holding the child.
• B. Fill the basin with water and bathe the child.
• C. Sit by the crib and bathe the child later when the anxiety decreases.
• D. Postpone the bath for a day because a child this upset should not be traumatized further.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the stage of protest, children may display distress when separated from their primary caregiver. Sitting by the crib and providing comfort when the child is less anxious is an appropriate intervention. Choice A is incorrect because attempting to hold the child while they are in distress may escalate the situation. Choice B is inappropriate as it ignores the child's emotional distress and proceeds with a task that can wait. Choice D is not the best option as postponing the bath for a day is not necessary; instead, addressing the child's emotional needs promptly is crucial in this situation.

3. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who has difficulty breathing and prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?

• A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
• B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
• C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
• D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles are signs of respiratory distress in infants. These clinical manifestations can be associated with trauma, such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS), which can lead to severe head injuries and respiratory compromise. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation (Choice A) is more related to prematurity complications rather than SBS. The absence of stridor and adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) may not be specific indicators of SBS. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds (Choice C) alone may not be as concerning as the presence of retractions and use of accessory muscles in the context of a distressed infant.

4. During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child’s reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. The child is repressing feelings towards the parent.
• B. Routines have been established, and the child feels safe.
• C. The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.
• D. Behavior has improved because the child feels better physically.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The child's behavior of smiling easily, interacting happily with nurses, and showing disinterest in the parent when they visit indicates that the child has emotionally withdrawn and accepted the separation. This response suggests that the child may have given up fighting against the separation from the parent due to prolonged hospitalization. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A about the child repressing feelings towards the parent is not supported by the scenario. Choice B about routines and feeling safe does not address the emotional aspect of the child's behavior. Choice D about improved behavior due to feeling better physically does not explain the emotional dynamics at play in the child's behavior.

5. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is administering pancreatic enzymes. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas is often affected, leading to insufficient production of digestive enzymes. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. While respiratory therapy, nutritional support, and physical activity are essential components of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, addressing the digestive aspect by administering pancreatic enzymes takes priority to prevent malnutrition and promote overall health.

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