Nursing Elites

1. Baby M is 5 months old. You notice that she now has the ability to grasp objects between her fingers and opposing thumb. This is known as:

• A. Parachute reflex
• B. Grasp reflex
• C. Pincer grasp
• D. Prehension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pincer grasp. The pincer grasp is the ability to hold objects between the thumb and another finger, typically developed around 9-12 months. At 5 months, it is early for a pincer grasp to fully develop, but the beginning of this skill can be seen as early as 5 months. Choices A and B are incorrect as the parachute reflex is a protective response to falling and the grasp reflex is an automatic response to touch. Choice D, prehension, is a general term for the act of grasping or holding objects, but it does not specifically refer to holding objects between the thumb and fingers like the pincer grasp does.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a child with suspected acute appendicitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Apply heat to the abdomen
• C. Encourage oral fluids
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for surgery. Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent complications like rupture and peritonitis. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be part of the treatment plan but should not delay surgical intervention. Applying heat to the abdomen (choice B) is not recommended as it can worsen the inflammation of the appendix. Encouraging oral fluids (choice C) is generally beneficial, but the priority in acute appendicitis is surgical intervention.

3. What clinical manifestation(s) is associated with calcium depletion (hypocalcemia)?

• A. Nausea, vomiting
• B. Weakness, fatigue
• C. Muscle hypotonicity
• D. Neuromuscular irritability

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypocalcemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability, causing symptoms such as muscle cramps, tetany, or seizures. Other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and weakness are less specific and can be related to various conditions.

4. A school-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of these should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Correction of alkalosis
• B. Pain management and administration of heparin
• C. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII to correct the sickling
• D. Adequate hydration, oxygenation, and pain management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia require a comprehensive approach that includes adequate hydration to reduce blood viscosity, oxygenation to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, and aggressive pain management. This approach helps improve tissue perfusion and manage pain effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Correction of alkalosis is not a priority in vaso-occlusive crisis management. Administration of heparin is not indicated as it can increase the risk of bleeding in sickle cell patients. Factor VIII replacement is not relevant to sickle cell anemia as it is a treatment for hemophilia, not sickle cell disease.

5. Which statement regarding bottle mouth caries requires further teaching?

• A. Caries can be decreased by putting an infant to bed with a bottle of milk or sweetened juice
• B. Eliminating the bedtime bottle or substituting water is recommended
• C. Sugar pools within the oral cavity cause severe decay
• D. It is often seen in children between 18 months and 3 years

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Putting an infant to bed with a bottle of milk or sweetened juice increases the risk of bottle mouth caries rather than decreasing it. This statement requires further teaching as it provides incorrect information. Choice B is correct as eliminating the bedtime bottle or substituting water is recommended to prevent bottle mouth caries. Choice C is also correct as sugar pooling within the oral cavity can indeed cause severe decay. Choice D is correct as bottle mouth caries is often observed in children between 18 months and 3 years.

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