Nursing Elites

1. A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?

• A. Decreased protein count
• B. Clear, straw-colored fluid
• C. Positive for red blood cells (RBCs)
• D. Decreased glucose level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In bacterial meningitis, the glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically decreased due to the increased utilization of glucose by the infecting bacteria. This metabolic change leads to a decrease in CSF glucose levels, making choice D the correct answer in this scenario. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because bacterial meningitis usually results in an increased protein count, cloudy appearance of the CSF due to the presence of bacteria, and absence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the CSF unless there is a traumatic tap, respectively.

2. A child has a brain tumor. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased head circumference
• B. Frequent headaches
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Increased blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Children with brain tumors commonly experience frequent headaches due to increased intracranial pressure. This pressure can result in pain and discomfort, leading to headaches as a common symptom. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, changes in vision, and behavioral changes, but headaches are a prominent feature in children with brain tumors.

3. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient prescribed verapamil SR 120mg PO daily for HTN. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the medication?

• A. “I will take the medication with grapefruit juice each morning.”
• B. “I should expect occasional loose stools from this medication”
• C. “I’ll need to reduce the amount of fiber in my diet”
• D. “I must swallow the pill whole.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: “SR” indicates that the drug is sustained release; therefore, the patient must swallow the pill intact, without chewing or crushing, which would result in a bolus effect. Grapefruit juice should be avoided, because it can inhibit intestinal and hepatic metabolism of the drug, thereby raising the drug level. Constipation, not loose stools, is a common side effect. Increasing fluids and dietary fiber can help prevent this adverse effect.

4. A nurse is planning care to address nutritional needs for a preschooler with cystic fibrosis. Which interventions should the nurse include in plans?

• A. Administer pancreatic enzymes 2 hours after meals.
• B. Monitor and adjust the use of pancreatic enzymes if steatorrhea develops.
• C. Encourage adequate fluid intake based on the child's needs.
• D. Increase fat content in the child's diet to 40% of total calories.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Increasing fat content in the diet is essential for meeting the high energy needs of a child with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis impairs the absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, so increasing the fat content in the child's diet to 40% of total calories helps ensure adequate caloric intake. This intervention can help maintain the child's nutritional status and support growth and development.

5. What side effect should the nurse include in the parent teaching for a child prescribed a baclofen pump for cerebral palsy?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Hypertonia
• C. Hypotonia
• D. Restlessness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a child is prescribed a baclofen pump for cerebral palsy, one of the common side effects to include in parent teaching is hypotonia. Baclofen, a muscle relaxant, can lead to decreased muscle tone, resulting in hypotonia. It is important for parents to be aware of this potential side effect and know how to respond accordingly.

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