Nursing Elites

1. At 2 years of age, a child is readmitted to the hospital for additional surgery. What is the most important factor in preparing the toddler for this experience?

• A. Satisfying the child’s wishes
• B. Previous experience of hospitalization
• C. Preventing the child from being with strangers
• D. Ensuring the child still receives parental affection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important factor in preparing a toddler for additional surgery is their previous experience of hospitalization. This familiarity can help reduce anxiety and fear associated with the hospital environment and medical procedures. Choice A, satisfying the child’s wishes, may not always be feasible or in the child's best interest during medical procedures. Choice C, preventing the child from being with strangers, may not address the core issue of preparing the child for surgery. Choice D, ensuring the child still receives parental affection, is important but may not directly address the preparation needed for surgery.

2. A child with a diagnosis of appendicitis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Maintaining strict NPO status
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with appendicitis scheduled for surgery is to monitor for signs of infection. This is crucial to ensure that any potential infections are promptly identified and managed before surgery. Administering antibiotics, maintaining strict NPO status, and encouraging fluid intake are important interventions in various clinical situations but are not the priority in this scenario. Administering antibiotics may be part of the treatment plan but is typically prescribed by a physician. Maintaining NPO status is important to prevent complications related to anesthesia but may not directly address the specific needs of a child with appendicitis. Encouraging fluid intake is generally beneficial for hydration but may not be the primary concern before surgery for appendicitis.

3. A major developmental milestone of a toddler is the achievement of autonomy. What should the parents do to enhance their toddler’s need for autonomy?

• A. Teach the child to share with others.
• B. Help the child learn society’s roles.
• C. Teach the child to accept external limits.
• D. Help the child develop internal controls.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Toddlers striving for autonomy need to develop internal controls to foster their independence. Teaching the child to share (Choice A) focuses more on social skills rather than autonomy. Helping the child learn society’s roles (Choice B) is important but not directly related to enhancing autonomy. Teaching the child to accept external limits (Choice C) is contrary to promoting autonomy as it emphasizes conformity to external rules rather than internal self-regulation.

4. An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?

• A. Plastic deformity
• B. Buckle fracture
• C. Spiral fracture
• D. Greenstick fracture

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A spiral fracture is a type of fracture often associated with twisting injuries and can raise suspicion of child abuse. This type of fracture is caused by a twisting force applied to a bone. Plastic deformity is not typically associated with fractures but refers to the ability of a material to change shape and retain that shape. A buckle fracture, also known as a torus fracture, is an incomplete break in a bone commonly seen in children. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone is bent and partially broken, more commonly seen in children due to their bone flexibility.

5. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress, and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respiratory rates of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse failed to report or document the slow respiratory rate of the infant, which later led to severe respiratory distress. It is crucial to understand that any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported promptly. This documentation is vital for monitoring the infant's condition, identifying potential issues, and ensuring timely intervention if needed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they downplay the significance of abnormal vital signs and fail to emphasize the importance of documentation and reporting in infant care.

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