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. A child with a diagnosis of celiac disease is admitted to the hospital. What dietary restriction should the nurse teach the parents?

• A. Avoid dairy products
• B. Avoid gluten
• C. Avoid high-fat foods
• D. Avoid foods high in sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Avoid gluten.' Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease ingest gluten, it causes an immune response that attacks the lining of the small intestine. Therefore, avoiding gluten is crucial in managing celiac disease to prevent symptoms and intestinal damage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific dietary restriction necessary for individuals with celiac disease. While some individuals with celiac disease may also have lactose intolerance (not dairy allergy) or may need to manage fat or sugar intake for other health reasons, the primary dietary focus for celiac disease is the strict avoidance of gluten-containing foods.

3. The nurse is caring for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome whose mother had no prenatal care. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia
• B. Deficient knowledge related to the presence of a genetic disorder
• C. Delayed growth and development related to a cognitive impairment
• D. Impaired physical mobility related to poor muscle tone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome, whose mother had no prenatal care, is imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia. Newborns with Down syndrome often experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, which can lead to inadequate nutrition intake. Option B is incorrect because at this age, the infant is not capable of having knowledge deficits related to a genetic disorder. Option C is incorrect as delayed growth and development are not the immediate priority in this scenario. Option D is incorrect as impaired physical mobility is not typically a priority concern for a newborn with Down syndrome.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often considered the last sign of heart failure in infants and children. It indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are early signs of heart failure due to inadequate cardiac output. Periorbital edema, while a sign of excess fluid, typically occurs earlier in the progression of heart failure compared to peripheral edema.

5. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

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