Nursing Elites

1. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m. her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

• A. Notifying the doctor immediately
• B. Applying ice
• C. Elevating the arm
• D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or giving additional pain medication may not address the underlying cause of the unrelenting pain, which could be a sign of a serious complication like compartment syndrome. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation to prevent potential complications.

2. You are called to a residence for a "sick" 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of

• A. 100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and rapid transport
• B. positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device and rapid transport
• C. chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport
• D. back blows and chest thrusts while attempting artificial ventilations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a pediatric patient with an unconscious state, a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min, and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the appropriate management involves chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These signs indicate severe respiratory and circulatory compromise, requiring immediate intervention to support breathing and circulation. Choice A (100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask) is not sufficient in this critical situation as the child requires more than just oxygen supplementation. Choice B (positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device) may be needed, but chest compressions are crucial in this scenario due to the presence of bradycardia. Choice D (back blows and chest thrusts) are not indicated for an unconscious child with respiratory and circulatory compromise; instead, immediate chest compressions are necessary to provide circulatory support.

3. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Limiting output
• B. Replacing lost fluids
• C. Avoiding IV infiltration
• D. Preventing cardiac overload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Preventing cardiac overload. Infants are highly vulnerable to fluid overload, making it essential to carefully monitor IV flow rates to prevent complications such as cardiac overload. Rapid administration of IV fluids can lead to an excessive increase in circulating volume, potentially causing cardiac strain or heart failure in infants. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Monitoring the IV flow rate is not primarily aimed at limiting output, replacing lost fluids, or avoiding IV infiltration in this scenario. The key concern is to prevent the risk of cardiac overload due to the infant's susceptibility to fluid imbalances.

4. The caregiver is teaching the mother of a toddler about burn prevention. Which response by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will leave fireworks displays to the professionals.
• B. I will set our water heater at 130 degrees.
• C. All sleepwear should be flame retardant.
• D. The handles of pots on the stove should face inward.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Setting the water heater at 130 degrees is incorrect because water heaters should be set to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scald burns. Choice A is correct as leaving fireworks displays to professionals reduces the risk of burns. Choice C is also correct as flame-retardant sleepwear reduces the risk of burn injuries. Choice D is correct as keeping pot handles facing inward prevents accidental spills and burns.

5. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
• B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
• C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
• D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.

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