Nursing Elites

1. An 8-year-old child diagnosed with meningitis is to undergo a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?

• A. To measure the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid
• B. To obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis
• C. To relieve intracranial pressure
• D. To assess the presence of infection in the spinal fluid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This fluid is then examined for signs of infection, bleeding, or other abnormalities. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid is typically done during the procedure itself, but it is not the primary purpose of the lumbar puncture. While a lumbar puncture can indirectly help relieve intracranial pressure by removing excess cerebrospinal fluid, this is not its primary purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid is part of the analysis that follows the collection of the sample, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.

2. The nurse is admitting a newborn with hypospadias to the nursery. The nurse expects which finding in this newborn?

• A. absence of a urethral opening
• B. penis appears shorter than usual for age
• C. the urethral opening is along the dorsal surface of the penis
• D. the urethral opening is along the ventral surface of the penis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypospadias is a congenital condition where the urethral opening is located along the ventral surface of the penis, not the dorsal surface (Choice C) or absent (Choice A). This leads to the characteristic appearance of a ventrally displaced urethral meatus. The penis may appear normal in size but with the urethral opening positioned abnormally (Choice D), rather than being shorter than usual (Choice B). Therefore, the correct expectation for a newborn with hypospadias is that the urethral opening is along the ventral surface of the penis, making Choice D the correct answer.

3. The nurse is teaching the parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome how to maintain good health for the child. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include?

• A. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age
• B. Adhering to the special dietary needs of the child
• C. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of age
• D. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. While special dietary needs may be important for a child with Down syndrome, they are typically not the primary concern for a 1-month-old. The nurse would be least likely to focus on this aspect as immediate issues such as monitoring for congenital heart defects (echocardiogram), cervical spine abnormalities (radiographs), and respiratory infections are more critical in the early months. Adhering to dietary needs is important, but it is usually addressed as the child grows older and is not the priority during the infant stage.

4. A child with suspected Kawasaki disease is being assessed. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Generalized rash
• B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• C. High fever
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peeling skin on the hands and feet is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Kawasaki disease, known as desquamation. This occurs during the convalescent phase of the illness, typically around 2-3 weeks after the onset of symptoms. While a generalized rash can be present in Kawasaki disease, peeling skin on the hands and feet is a more specific and distinctive feature. High fever is also a common symptom of Kawasaki disease, usually lasting for at least 5 days, while a low-grade fever is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the nurse is more likely to observe peeling skin on the hands and feet in a child suspected of having Kawasaki disease, making option B the correct choice.

5. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

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