Nursing Elites

1. An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?

• A. Cellular metabolism is unstable in young children.
• B. The proportion of water in the body is less than in adults.
• C. Renal function is immature in children until they reach school age.
• D. The extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight is greater than in adults.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect because cellular metabolism being unstable is not the primary explanation for the symptoms described. Choice B is incorrect as the proportion of water in the body alone does not fully explain the increased risk of dehydration in infants. Choice C is incorrect because while renal function is immature in children, it is not the most relevant factor in this scenario compared to the increased fluid requirements.

2. A child is diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Which laboratory test would the nurse expect the child to undergo to provide additional evidence for this condition?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• B. Potassium hydroxide prep
• C. Wound culture
• D. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) level. An elevated serum IgE level is commonly associated with atopic dermatitis, reflecting an allergic response. Choice A, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, is a nonspecific test for inflammation and not specific to atopic dermatitis. Choice B, potassium hydroxide prep, is used to diagnose fungal infections like tinea versicolor, not atopic dermatitis. Choice C, wound culture, is not typically indicated for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis as it is a chronic inflammatory skin condition rather than an infectious process.

3. The school nurse is caring for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess. What supportive measures should the nurse use until factor replacement therapy can be instituted?

• A. Apply warm, moist compresses
• B. Apply pressure for at least 1 minute
• C. Elevate the area above the level of the heart
• D. Begin passive range-of-motion unless the pain is severe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct supportive measure for the school nurse to use for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess is to elevate the area above the level of the heart. Elevating the affected area helps reduce bleeding and swelling in a child with hemophilia until factor replacement therapy can be provided. Applying warm, moist compresses (Choice A) may worsen bleeding by dilating blood vessels. Applying pressure for at least 1 minute (Choice B) is not recommended for hemophilia as it can lead to increased bleeding. Beginning passive range-of-motion (Choice D) should be avoided as it can exacerbate bleeding and further injury in a child with hemophilia.

4. You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured left arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. How should you manage this situation?

• A. Inform the parents of your suspicions.
• B. Call the police so the parents can be arrested.
• C. Advise the parents that the child needs to be transported.
• D. Transport the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported allows for the child to receive necessary medical care without immediate confrontation. Calling the police to have the parents arrested (Choice B) may escalate the situation and should only be done after ensuring the child's safety. Informing the parents of suspicions (Choice A) may potentially place the child at further risk if the parents are the abusers. Transporting the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes (Choice D) could lead to legal and ethical complications; it is important to involve the appropriate authorities and handle the situation with sensitivity and care.

5. A 3-month-old infant has been hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What is the priority intervention?

• A. Administering an antiviral agent
• B. Clustering care to conserve energy
• C. Offering oral fluids to promote hydration
• D. Providing an antitussive agent when necessary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority intervention for a 3-month-old infant hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to cluster care to conserve energy. Infants with RSV often have difficulty breathing and need to rest frequently. Clustering care involves grouping nursing interventions to allow for longer periods of rest between activities, which helps prevent exhaustion and conserve the infant's energy. Administering an antiviral agent is not the primary intervention for RSV, as it is a viral infection and antiviral agents are not typically used for RSV. Offering oral fluids is important for hydration but may not be the priority when the infant is struggling to breathe. Providing an antitussive agent should be done judiciously and under medical guidance, as suppressing the cough reflex can be detrimental in RSV cases where coughing helps clear airway secretions.

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