Nursing Elites

1. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

2. A child is being assessed by a nurse for suspected nephrotic syndrome. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Edema
• C. Hypertension
• D. Polyuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Edema is a hallmark clinical manifestation of nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, there is increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to protein loss in the urine (proteinuria). The decrease in serum protein levels results in a reduced oncotic pressure, leading to fluid shifting from the intravascular space into the interstitial spaces, causing edema. Jaundice (choice A) is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension (choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions like nephritic syndrome. Polyuria (choice D) is excessive urination and is not a prominent feature of nephrotic syndrome.

3. After corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is completed, and the infant is returned to the pediatric unit with an IV infusion in place, what is the priority nursing action?

• A. Apply adequate restraints.
• B. Administer a mild sedative.
• C. Assess the IV site for infiltration.
• D. Attach the nasogastric tube to wall suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing action after corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is to assess the IV site for infiltration. This is crucial as it ensures proper fluid administration and prevents complications such as phlebitis or infiltration-related tissue damage. Applying restraints (Choice A) would not be appropriate in this situation as it is not related to the immediate post-operative care of an infant with an IV infusion. Administering a mild sedative (Choice B) is not indicated as the primary concern post-surgery is monitoring the IV site and the infant's response to the surgery. Attaching the nasogastric tube to wall suction (Choice D) is not the priority at this time, as assessing the IV site takes precedence to prevent potential complications.

4. The nurse is assessing a family to determine if they have access to adequate health care. Which statement accurately describes how certain families are affected by common barriers to health care?

• A. After a decade of escalation, the percentage of children living in low-income families has been on the decline since 2000.
• B. White, non-Hispanic children overall are more likely than African American and Hispanic children to be in very good or excellent health.
• C. The proportion of children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are overweight is decreasing, but a large increase is occurring in African American females.
• D. The overall health care plan of working families may improve access to specialty care but limit access to preventive services.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer because it accurately states that White, non-Hispanic children are more likely to be in very good or excellent health compared to African American and Hispanic children. This reflects a disparity in health outcomes among different racial groups. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is unrelated to the impact of common barriers to health care on families. Choice C talks about overweight children but does not address access to health care. Choice D discusses the impact of the overall health care plan on working families but does not specifically address the disparity in health status among different racial groups.

5. A nurse is providing care to a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pain medication
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In sickle cell anemia, pain management is a priority due to vaso-occlusive crises that cause severe pain. Administering pain medication helps alleviate discomfort and improve the child's quality of life. Ensuring adequate hydration, although important, is secondary to addressing the immediate pain issue. Providing nutritional support is beneficial for overall health but does not address the acute pain experienced. Monitoring vital signs is essential but not the immediate priority when managing pain in sickle cell anemia.

Similar Questions