Nursing Elites

1. An intravenous line is needed in a school-age child. What medication is an appropriate analgesic for use with this patient?

• A. TAC (tetracaine, epinephrine [Adrenalin], cocaine) 15 minutes before the procedure.
• B. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch at the site of venipuncture.
• C. EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) immediately before the procedure.
• D. LMX (4% liposomal lidocaine cream) 30 minutes before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: LMX is an effective analgesic agent when applied to the skin 30 minutes before a procedure. It eliminates or reduces the pain from most procedures involving skin puncture. TAC provides skin anesthesia about 15 minutes after application to nonintact skin, making it more suitable for wound suturing. Transdermal fentanyl patches are designed for continuous pain control, not rapid pain control needed for a procedure like venipuncture. EMLA, for maximum effectiveness, must be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure, making it less suitable for immediate pain relief required for intravenous line placement.

2. The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears ill. There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Ask the parent when the neck was injured
• B. Refer for immediate medical evaluation
• C. Continue assessment to determine the cause of the neck pain
• D. Record head lag on the assessment record and continue the assessment of the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Opisthotonos with pain on flexion is a sign of possible meningitis or other serious neurological conditions, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

3. A 3-year-old child was adopted immediately after birth. The parents have just asked the nurse how they should tell the child that she is adopted. Which guideline concerning adoption should the nurse use in planning a response?

• A. It is best to wait until the child asks about it.
• B. The best time to tell the child is between the ages of 7 and 10 years.
• C. It is not necessary to tell a child who was adopted so young.
• D. Telling the child is an important aspect of their parental responsibilities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important to tell children about their adoption early, in an age-appropriate manner, as part of building trust and openness in the family relationship.

4. What is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Prolonged jaundice
• D. Excessive crying

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prolonged jaundice is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like jaundice, poor feeding, constipation, and lethargy. While jaundice itself is a common condition in newborns, the term 'prolonged jaundice' specifically points towards the underlying thyroid issue. Hypothermia and excessive crying are not typically associated with congenital hypothyroidism.

5. Latex allergy is suspected in a child with spina bifida. What are appropriate nursing interventions to include in care of this patient?

• A. Avoid using any latex product.
• B. Use only non-allergenic latex products.
• C. Teach the family about long-term management of asthma.
• D. Administer medication for long-term desensitization.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid using any latex product.' In the case of a suspected latex allergy, it is crucial to prevent exposure to latex products to avoid allergic reactions. Choice B is incorrect because there are no truly non-allergenic latex products. Choice C is irrelevant to the situation described in the question, as the child does not have asthma. Choice D is also incorrect because desensitization is not an immediate option for managing a suspected latex allergy.

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