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 patient is taking a first-generation H1 blocker for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. It is most important for the nurse to assess for which adverse effect?

• A. Skin flushing
• B. Wheezing
• C. Insomnia
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Adverse Effect of Histamine � First Generation H1 blockers include dry mouth.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a school-age child who has moderate persistent asthma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. You should give your child his salmeterol inhaler every 4 hours when he is having an acute episode of wheezing.
• B. You should monitor your child's weight weekly while he is receiving inhaled corticosteroid therapy.
• C. Pulmonary function tests will be performed every 12 to 24 months to evaluate how your child is responding to therapy.
• D. When using the peak expiratory flow meter, record your child's average of three readings.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should inform the parent that the child will need pulmonary function tests every 12 to 24 months to assess lung function and response to treatment. These tests help evaluate the presence of lung disease, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of the current therapeutic regimen in managing asthma. Choice A is incorrect as salmeterol is not used for acute wheezing episodes but rather for long-term maintenance. Choice B is incorrect because weight monitoring is not directly related to inhaled corticosteroid therapy for asthma. Choice D is incorrect as peak expiratory flow meter readings should be recorded as instructed, not averaged.

5. The healthcare professional is preparing to administer an immunization to a four-year-old child. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Place the child in a prone position for the immunization
• B. Request that the child's caregiver stay in the room during the immunization
• C. Administer the immunization using a 24-gauge needle
• D. Inject the immunization slowly without aspirating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When administering an immunization to a four-year-old child, it is important to use a 24-gauge needle to minimize pain and discomfort for the child. Thicker needles can cause more pain and tissue trauma. Using a thinner needle like a 24-gauge is appropriate for pediatric immunizations. Placing the child in a prone position for immunization is not recommended as it can be uncomfortable and may not allow for proper access to the injection site. Having the caregiver stay in the room during the immunization is beneficial for support and comfort for the child. Injecting the immunization slowly without aspirating is correct, as aspirating before administering the immunization is not required for intramuscular injections in current practice.

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