Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The mother of a child with cognitive impairment calls the nurse because her son has been gagging and drooling all morning. The nurse suspects foreign body ingestion. What physiologic occurrence is most likely responsible for the presenting signs?

• A. Gastrointestinal perforation may have occurred.
• B. The object may have been aspirated.
• C. The object may be lodged in the esophagus.
• D. The object may be embedded in the stomach wall.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms of gagging and drooling suggest that the foreign object is likely lodged in the esophagus. This can cause significant discomfort and potential complications, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

3. The nurse is providing education to the parent of a child with Beta-thalassemia. Which risk factors about the condition should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Hypertrophy of the thyroid
• B. Polycythemia vera
• C. Thrombocytopenia
• D. Chronic hypoxia and iron overload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic hypoxia and iron overload. Children with Beta-thalassemia often suffer from chronic hypoxia due to ineffective erythropoiesis and require frequent blood transfusions, leading to iron overload. These complications must be managed to prevent organ damage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Hypertrophy of the thyroid, polycythemia vera, and thrombocytopenia are not direct risk factors associated with Beta-thalassemia. Therefore, they should not be included in the teaching regarding this condition.

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. What statement is most descriptive of Meckel diverticulum?

• A. It is present from birth.
• B. Intestinal bleeding may be mild or profuse.
• C. It occurs with equal frequency in both genders.
• D. Surgical interventions are always necessary to treat the problem.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Meckel diverticulum often presents with intestinal bleeding, which can vary in severity. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present from birth, not acquired during childhood (choice A). Meckel diverticulum is slightly more common in males than in females, so it does not occur more frequently in females (choice C). While some cases of Meckel diverticulum may require surgical intervention, medical interventions can also be sufficient to treat the problem, so it is not always necessary to resort to surgery (choice D).

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