Nursing Elites

1. A two-year-old child with heart failure 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 as the heart rate of 128 bpm falls within the acceptable range for a two-year-old child with heart failure. It indicates that the child may benefit from the therapeutic effects of digoxin. Monitoring the heart rate closely after administration is essential to ensure the medication's effectiveness and safety. Determining the pulse deficit (Choice A) is not necessary in this situation as the heart rate is within the acceptable range. Calculating the safe dose range (Choice C) is not needed since the heart rate is already within the expected parameters. Reviewing the serum digoxin level (Choice D) is not the immediate action required in this case where the heart rate is within the normal range.

2. A 4-year-old child with a history of frequent ear infections is brought to the clinic by the parents who are concerned about the child’s hearing. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Perform a hearing test
• B. Inspect the child’s ears for drainage
• C. Refer the child to an audiologist
• D. Ask the parents about the child’s speech development

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to inspect the child's ears for drainage. This immediate assessment can provide valuable information about the presence of infection or fluid accumulation, which can directly impact the child's hearing. By identifying any signs of drainage, the nurse can promptly address any current issues affecting the child's ear health and hearing abilities. Performing a hearing test (Choice A) may be necessary but should follow the initial assessment of the ears. Referring the child to an audiologist (Choice C) can be considered later based on the findings. Asking about speech development (Choice D) is important but not the immediate priority compared to assessing for current ear issues.

3. A 15-month-old child is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. The nurse notes that the child is not walking independently yet. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Refer the child for a developmental assessment
• B. Encourage the parents to start physical therapy
• C. Reassure the parents that some children walk later than others
• D. Discuss the importance of early intervention services

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to reassure the parents that some children walk later than others. It is essential to understand that children reach developmental milestones at different ages. Walking independently can occur later in some children, and it is normal. Referring the child for a developmental assessment (Choice A) may cause unnecessary concern at this stage. Encouraging physical therapy (Choice B) or discussing early intervention services (Choice D) may not be warranted unless there are specific concerns identified during the checkup.

4. A 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with severe dehydration. The healthcare provider prescribes an IV infusion of 0.9% normal saline. The nurse notes that the child’s heart rate is 150 beats per minute, and the blood pressure is 90/50 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer the IV fluids as prescribed
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Check the child’s urine output
• D. Reassess the child’s vital signs in 30 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric patient with severe dehydration and signs of compromised hemodynamics such as tachycardia (heart rate of 150 bpm) and hypotension (blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg), the priority intervention is to administer IV fluids as prescribed. Immediate fluid resuscitation is essential to restore hydration, improve perfusion, and stabilize the child's vital signs. While it's important to monitor urine output, initiating fluid resuscitation takes precedence in this situation. Notifying the healthcare provider can cause a delay in critical intervention, and waiting to reassess vital signs in 30 minutes can be detrimental in a child with severe dehydration and compromised hemodynamics.

5. During a well-baby check, the nurse hides a block under the baby's blanket, and the baby looks for the block. Which normal growth and development milestone is the baby developing?

• A. Separation anxiety.
• B. Associative play.
• C. Object prehension.
• D. Object permanence.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a baby looks for a hidden object, it demonstrates the development of object permanence. This milestone is significant as it signifies the baby's understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible. It is a crucial aspect of cognitive development in infancy. Choice A, separation anxiety, refers to distress when separated from a primary caregiver and is not demonstrated in this scenario. Choice B, associative play, involves interactive play with others and is not relevant to object search. Choice C, object prehension, refers to the ability to grasp and hold objects, which is not specifically demonstrated by looking for a hidden object in this context.

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