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. The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old adolescent who was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The adolescent’s mood appears stable, and the healthcare provider has recommended discharge. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge
• B. Provide education about medication adherence
• C. Encourage the adolescent to participate in group therapy
• D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with a mental health professional

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge. A safety plan is essential to assist the adolescent in managing future crises and decreasing the likelihood of another suicide attempt. It provides guidance on coping strategies and resources to help the adolescent stay safe in times of distress.

3. A parent of a 2-month-old infant, who was treated for pyloric stenosis, is receiving discharge instructions from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will burp our baby more frequently during feedings
• B. We should feed our baby in an upright position
• C. We will lay our baby on their stomach after feeding
• D. We will start feeding our baby with small, frequent feedings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing infants on their stomach after feeding increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is important to educate parents to always place infants on their back to sleep to reduce this risk.

4. During a routine physical exam, a male adolescent client tells the nurse, 'sometimes, my mother gets angry because I want to be with my own friends.' What is the best initial response by the nurse?

• A. Offer reassurance that his mother's concern is normal
• B. Determine if his friends are engaged in unsafe behaviors
• C. Ask about the client's response to his mother's anger
• D. Offer to discuss his concerns with his mother

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client expresses concerns about family dynamics, it is important to explore their feelings and reactions to the situation. By asking about the client's response to his mother's anger, the nurse can gain insight into the client's emotions, thoughts, and coping mechanisms. Understanding these aspects is crucial in providing appropriate support and guidance. Option A is incorrect because it focuses solely on reassuring the client about his mother's concern without addressing the client's feelings. Option B assumes negative behaviors without evidence. Option D jumps to discussing concerns with the mother without understanding the client's perspective first.

5. A 12-year-old child with type 1 diabetes is under the nurse's care. The child’s parent asks how to prevent hypoglycemia during physical activity. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Give your child extra insulin before exercise
• B. Make sure your child eats a snack before exercise
• C. Limit your child’s physical activity to avoid hypoglycemia
• D. Monitor your child’s blood glucose levels after exercise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective way to prevent hypoglycemia during physical activity in a child with type 1 diabetes is to ensure they eat a snack before exercising. Eating a snack before exercise helps maintain blood glucose levels by providing additional glucose for energy during physical activity, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Giving extra insulin before exercise (Choice A) can increase the risk of hypoglycemia as it lowers blood glucose levels further. Limiting physical activity (Choice C) is not recommended as exercise is important for overall health. Monitoring blood glucose levels after exercise (Choice D) is essential but does not directly prevent hypoglycemia during physical activity.

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