Nursing Elites

1. A young mother asks if her 9-month-old can begin drinking cow’s milk instead of formula. You explain that:

• A. Cow’s milk is easier to digest than formula
• B. Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year
• C. As long as whole milk is given and not skim milk, it is okay
• D. Cow’s milk will decrease the chance of iron deficiency anemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants under 1 year of age as it lacks essential nutrients like iron and can lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is important to continue with breast milk or formula to ensure the baby's nutritional needs are met. Choice A is incorrect as cow’s milk is not easier to digest than formula for infants. Choice C is incorrect as the type of milk, whether whole or skim, is not the primary concern at this age. Choice D is incorrect as cow’s milk can actually increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia in infants.

2. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

3. When should the dressing change for a post-op pediatric patient that is expected to be very painful and frightening be performed?

• A. In the patient’s room
• B. In the treatment room
• C. After discharge when the patient is at home
• D. In the playroom

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'In the treatment room.' Performing painful procedures in the treatment room helps the child associate their own room with safety and comfort, not pain. Choice A is incorrect because performing the dressing change in the patient’s room may create a negative association with their safe space. Choice C is incorrect as it is important to ensure proper wound care and pain management before discharge. Choice D is incorrect as the playroom may not be equipped for a sterile dressing change.

4. Which action should the nurse implement when taking an axillary temperature?

• A. Take the temperature through one layer of clothing
• B. Add a degree to the result when recording
• C. Place the tip of the thermometer under the arm in the center of the axilla
• D. Hold the child's arm away from the body while taking the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct technique involves placing the thermometer tip in the center of the axilla to ensure an accurate reading, with the arm held close to the body.

5. The nurse suspects fluid overload in an infant receiving intravenous fluids. What clinical manifestation is suggestive of water intoxication?

• A. Oliguria
• B. Weight loss
• C. Irritability and seizures
• D. Muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water intoxication can lead to cerebral edema, causing neurological symptoms such as irritability and seizures. Oliguria, weight loss, and muscle weakness are not typical signs of water intoxication.

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