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. What action should the nurse take when a child presents with fever, sore throat, swollen red spots, and fluid-filled blisters?

• A. Obtain a fluid culture from the blisters
• B. Administer a fever-reducing medication
• C. Cover the drainage vesicles with a dressing
• D. Implement transmission precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a child presents with fever, sore throat, swollen red spots, and fluid-filled blisters, it may indicate a contagious viral infection. In such cases, implementing transmission precautions is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others in the pediatric clinic or community. Obtaining a fluid culture from the blisters (Choice A) may not be necessary at the initial stage without knowing the cause of the infection. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Choice B) may help manage symptoms but doesn't address the need for preventing transmission. Covering the drainage vesicles with a dressing (Choice C) may provide comfort to the child but does not directly address the risk of transmission to others.

3. A 2-year-old is admitted to the hospital with possible encephalitis, and a lumbar puncture is scheduled. Which information should the nurse provide this child concerning the procedure?

• A. Describe the side-lying, knees-to-chest position that must be assumed during the procedure.
• B. Explain that fluids cannot be taken for 8 hours before the procedure and for 4 hours after the procedure.
• C. Reassure the child that there will be no restrictions on activity after the procedure is completed.
• D. Tell the child to expect loud clicking noises during the procedure that may be slightly annoying.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Children, especially young ones, benefit from knowing what position they will be in during a procedure as it helps them understand and feel more in control. Describing the side-lying, knees-to-chest position can reduce anxiety and promote cooperation during the lumbar puncture. Choice B is incorrect because the question is about preparing the child for the procedure, not about pre-procedure fasting requirements. Choice C is incorrect because there may be restrictions on activity after the procedure. Choice D is incorrect because mentioning loud clicking noises may increase the child's anxiety and fear.

4. The parents of a 3-month-old infant are being educated by the healthcare provider about safe sleep practices. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will place our baby on their back to sleep
• B. We will use a firm mattress and avoid soft bedding
• C. We will keep our baby in our bed so we can monitor them closely
• D. We will avoid putting toys or pillows in the crib

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Co-sleeping, or keeping the baby in the parents' bed, increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is crucial for parents to place the baby in a separate crib or bassinet to ensure a safe sleep environment and reduce the risk of SIDS. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate understanding of safe sleep practices by mentioning placing the baby on their back, using a firm mattress and avoiding soft bedding, and not putting toys or pillows in the crib, which are all measures to promote safe sleep and reduce the risk of SIDS.

5. A child is recovering from an appendectomy. The parent asks when the child can resume normal activities. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The child can resume normal activities as soon as they feel up to it
• B. The child should avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks
• C. The child can resume normal activities after the stitches are removed
• D. The child should avoid all physical activities for the next month

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After an appendectomy, it is important for the child to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks to allow for proper healing. Resuming normal activities too soon can put unnecessary strain on the healing process and increase the risk of complications.

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