Nursing Elites

1. An adolescent with irritable bowel syndrome comes to see the school nurse. What information should the nurse share with the adolescent?

• A. A low-fiber diet is not always required.
• B. Stress management may be helpful.
• C. Milk products may or may not be a contributing factor.
• D. Pantoprazole (a proton pump inhibitor) is not a first-line treatment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stress management may be helpful. Stress is known to exacerbate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), making stress management an essential part of managing the condition. While dietary modifications can also be beneficial, a low-fiber diet is not universally recommended for IBS, as fiber can be important for some individuals. Milk products may or may not be contributing factors, as food triggers can vary among individuals. Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is not typically the first-line treatment for IBS, as it is more commonly used for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease.

2. Which laboratory test would be most important for the nurse to assess when caring for a toddler suspected of having cystic fibrosis?

• A. Liver enzymes
• B. Serum calcium
• C. Sweat chloride test
• D. Urine creatinine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sweat chloride test is the primary diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across epithelial cell membranes, leading to increased chloride in sweat. This test is crucial for diagnosing cystic fibrosis in suspected cases. Liver enzymes (Choice A), serum calcium (Choice B), and urine creatinine (Choice D) are not specific tests for cystic fibrosis and would not provide the necessary information for diagnosis in this case.

3. The nurse is caring for an infant who was born 24 hr ago to a mother who received no prenatal care. The infant is a poor feeder but sucks avidly on his hands. Clinical manifestations also include hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, and a high-pitched shrill cry. What does the nurse consider as a possible diagnosis for this infant?

• A. Seizure disorder
• B. Narcotic withdrawal
• C. Placental insufficiency
• D. Meconium aspiration syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the infant's symptoms are consistent with narcotic withdrawal. Infants exposed to drugs in utero may display withdrawal symptoms starting around 12 to 24 hours post-birth. The presentation often includes hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, high-pitched shrill cry, poor feeding, and sucking avidly on hands. Signs such as loose stools, tachycardia, fever, projectile vomiting, sneezing, and generalized sweating are common. These symptoms are not indicative of a seizure disorder. Placental insufficiency typically leads to a small-for-gestational-age child, which is not mentioned in the scenario. Meconium aspiration syndrome primarily presents with respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in this case.

4. Following treatment for iron deficiency anemia, the physician orders lab tests. Which lab value would indicate an improvement in the child’s condition?

• A. Low hemoglobin
• B. Normal platelet count
• C. High reticulocyte count
• D. Low hematocrit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A high reticulocyte count indicates that the bone marrow is producing more red blood cells, which is a sign of recovery from anemia as the body replenishes its iron stores and increases hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin (Choice A) would indicate ongoing anemia rather than improvement. A normal platelet count (Choice B) and low hematocrit (Choice D) are not specific indicators of improvement in iron deficiency anemia.

5. A mother reports to the nurse that her 6-year-old child is highly active, irritable, irregular in habits, and adapts slowly to new routines, people, or situations. Which pattern of temperament would best describe the child?

• A. The 'easy' child
• B. The 'difficult' child
• C. The 'slow-to-warm-up' child
• D. The 'fast-to-warm-up' child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'difficult' child is the best way to describe the child in this scenario. This temperament is characterized by high activity levels, irritability, irregular habits, and difficulty adapting to changes. Choice A, the 'easy' child, is known for being generally positive and adaptable. Choice C, the 'slow-to-warm-up' child, typically needs time to adapt to new situations but is not necessarily highly active or irritable. Choice D, the 'fast-to-warm-up' child, adapts quickly to new situations, which contrasts with the child's slow adaptation mentioned in the scenario.

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