Nursing Elites

1. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

• A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
• B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
• C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
• D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.' Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects as they help conserve the infant’s energy by eliminating the need for sucking, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac issues. Choice A is incorrect because gavage feedings are not primarily used to limit vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of administration is not the main reason for gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect because the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the primary rationale for gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.

2. The nurse is providing care to a child with a long-leg hip spica cast. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location.
• B. Deficient knowledge related to cast care.
• C. Risk for delayed development related to immobility.
• D. Self-care deficit related to immobility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location. When a child has a long-leg hip spica cast, the priority nursing diagnosis is to prevent impaired skin integrity. This is because the child's mobility is restricted, and pressure from the cast can lead to skin breakdown. Option B is incorrect as while education is essential, it is not the priority when skin integrity is at risk. Option C is incorrect because while immobility can impact development, immediate skin integrity concerns take precedence. Option D is incorrect as self-care deficit, while important, is secondary to preventing skin breakdown in this scenario.

3. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
• B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
• C. Place the child on a cardiac monitor
• D. Place the child on a pulse oximetry monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first intervention when managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis is to begin intravenous saline solution to address dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Rehydration is essential to improve perfusion and correct electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration can potentially lead to further complications. Placing the child on a cardiac monitor or pulse oximetry monitor is important but not the initial priority in managing DKA.

4. The parents of a child who has just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes ask about exercise. What should the nurse explain about exercise in type 1 diabetes?

• A. Exercise will increase blood glucose levels
• B. Exercise should be restricted
• C. Extra snacks are needed before exercise
• D. Extra insulin is required during exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In type 1 diabetes, extra snacks are needed before exercise to prevent hypoglycemia. It is important to provide additional carbohydrates to maintain blood glucose levels during physical activity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Exercise typically lowers blood glucose levels in individuals with diabetes; however, proper management and adjustments in insulin and food intake are necessary to prevent hypoglycemia. Exercise should not be restricted in individuals with type 1 diabetes but should be planned in coordination with healthcare providers to ensure safety and optimal glucose control. While some individuals may need adjustments in insulin dosages during exercise, the general statement that extra insulin is required during exercise in type 1 diabetes is not accurate.

5. A child with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the child’s care plan?

• A. Monitoring fluid status
• B. Encouraging activity
• C. Promoting a high-calorie diet
• D. Maintaining oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload, which can exacerbate their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications such as heart failure. Encouraging activity may be important, but it should be done cautiously and within limits due to the child's cardiac condition. Promoting a high-calorie diet is not typically a priority in congenital heart disease care unless there are specific indications. Maintaining oxygen therapy may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for managing congenital heart disease.

Similar Questions