Nursing Elites

1. Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, at what apical pulse did the nurse decide to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the health care provider?

• A. 60 beats/min
• B. 70 beats/min
• C. 90 beats/min
• D. 100 beats/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and its administration is based on heart rate parameters. A pulse rate below 90 beats/min indicates bradycardia. In pediatric patients, bradycardia below this threshold may be a sign of toxicity or potential adverse effects of digoxin, necessitating withholding the medication and informing the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent pulse rates above the threshold for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child.

2. The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old boy with idiopathic thrombocytopenia. The nurse is providing discharge instructions about home care and safety recommendations to the boy and his parents. Which response indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We should avoid aspirin and drugs like ibuprofen.
• B. He should avoid participating in football for safety.
• C. Swimming would be a great activity.
• D. Our son cannot take any antihistamines.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Participation in contact sports like football should be avoided in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenia due to the increased risk of bleeding. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding aspirin and drugs like ibuprofen, engaging in activities like swimming, and avoiding antihistamines are all appropriate recommendations for a child with idiopathic thrombocytopenia to prevent bleeding episodes and ensure safety.

3. A child with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Encouraging regular exercise
• C. Administering antipyretics
• D. Administering antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance. Gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract leading to diarrhea and vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor and maintain the child's fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent complications. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) may not be appropriate initially for a child with gastroenteritis who needs rest and fluid replacement. Administering antipyretics (Choice C) is not the priority unless the child has a fever. Administering antibiotics (Choice D) is not indicated for viral gastroenteritis, which is the most common cause of the condition.

4. A child with a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting is being cared for by a nurse. What does the nurse consider to be the major characteristic of this type of congenital disorder?

• A. Elevated hematocrit
• B. Severe growth retardation
• C. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
• D. Increased blood flow to the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The major characteristic of a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting is increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a typical characteristic of this condition. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions involving chronic hypoxia.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected appendicitis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare professional likely to observe?

• A. Right lower quadrant pain
• B. Left lower quadrant pain
• C. Rebound tenderness
• D. Epigastric pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Right lower quadrant pain is a characteristic clinical manifestation of appendicitis. The appendix is typically located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, so pain in this area is a common symptom. Left lower quadrant pain (Choice B) is less likely in cases of appendicitis. Rebound tenderness (Choice C) is a sign of peritonitis, not specific to appendicitis. Epigastric pain (Choice D) is more indicative of upper gastrointestinal issues rather than appendicitis.

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