Nursing Elites

1. An infant is born with anencephaly. Based on the knowledge of this diagnosis, what information does the nurse consider when interacting with the family?

• A. Many treatment options exist.
• B. Immediate surgery is necessary.
• C. The condition is incompatible with life.
• D. The child will have permanent disabilities.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The condition is incompatible with life.' Anencephaly is the most serious neural tube defect where both hemispheres of the brain are absent. It is incompatible with life, as there are no medical or surgical treatment options available. While some infants with mature brain stem function can maintain vital functions for a short period, anencephaly is ultimately not survivable. Choice A is incorrect as there are no treatment options for anencephaly. Choice B is incorrect as immediate surgery is not necessary for this condition. Choice D is incorrect as an infant with anencephaly will not have permanent disabilities since the condition is not compatible with life.

2. Which drug is usually the best choice for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a child in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Codeine sulfate (Codeine)
• B. Morphine (Roxanol)
• C. Methadone (Dolophine)
• D. Meperidine (Demerol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Morphine is the drug of choice for PCA in children because of its efficacy, safety profile, and rapid onset of action for pain management.

3. Nurses should be alert for increased fluid requirements in which circumstance?

• A. Fever
• B. Mechanical ventilation
• C. Congestive heart failure
• D. Increased intracranial pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fever increases metabolic rate, leading to insensible water loss, thus requiring increased fluid intake. Mechanical ventilation, CHF, and increased intracranial pressure generally require fluid restriction rather than increased fluid intake.

4. What is the purpose of using cimetidine (Tagamet) for gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. The medication reduces gastric acid secretion.
• B. The medication neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
• C. The medication increases the rate of gastric emptying time.
• D. The medication coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing gastric acid secretion. This action helps to decrease the acidity in the stomach, which in turn reduces the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Choice B is incorrect because cimetidine does not neutralize acid but rather decreases its production. Choice C is incorrect as cimetidine does not affect the rate of gastric emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as cimetidine does not coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus but instead works to reduce gastric acid secretion.

5. An infant is diagnosed with a tracheoesophageal fistula. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• C. Absence of sucking, vomiting
• D. Coughing, with excessive secretion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Coughing with excessive secretion is a common sign of tracheoesophageal fistula. In this condition, the connection between the trachea and esophagus allows saliva and food to enter the airways, leading to coughing and excessive secretions. Choice A, jaundice, is not typically associated with tracheoesophageal fistula. Hyperactive bowel sounds (Choice B) are more likely seen in conditions like gastroenteritis. Absence of sucking and vomiting (Choice C) is not a typical finding related to tracheoesophageal fistula.

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