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. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated infant, what intervention is most important at this time?

• A. Continuing the prescribed flow rate
• B. Monitoring the intravenous drop rate
• C. Calculating the total necessary intake
• D. Maintaining the fluid at body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring the intravenous drop rate is the most crucial intervention when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated infant. This ensures that the correct amount of fluids is being delivered to the infant at the appropriate rate. While continuing the prescribed flow rate (Choice A) may be important, it does not allow for real-time adjustments that may be necessary during the infusion. Calculating the total necessary intake (Choice C) should have been determined before initiating IV therapy. Maintaining the fluid at body temperature (Choice D) is important for patient comfort but is not as critical as ensuring the proper administration of fluids.

3. The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

• A. “This is a challenging age for your child right now.”
• B. “Could you elaborate on your challenges? I’m not clear on what you mean.”
• C. “It’s important to be consistent with toddlers when they need discipline.”
• D. “I understand your concern. This phase is often referred to as the 'terrible twos'.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring boundaries and learning what behaviors are acceptable. By being consistent, parents can help reinforce these boundaries and teach appropriate behaviors effectively. Choices A, B, and D do not provide specific guidance on how to address the discipline issue effectively. While acknowledging the challenges of this age (Choice A) and empathizing with the parents (Choice D) are important, the key point in this scenario is to highlight the significance of consistency in discipline (Choice C).

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 nurse is inspecting the skin of a child with atopic dermatitis. What would the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Erythematous papulovesicular rash
• B. Dry, red, scaly rash with lichenification
• C. Pustular vesicles with honey-colored exudates
• D. Hypopigmented oval scaly lesions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In atopic dermatitis, the nurse would expect to observe a dry, red, scaly rash with lichenification. Lichenification is thickened skin due to chronic scratching. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Erythematous papulovesicular rash is more characteristic of contact dermatitis, pustular vesicles with honey-colored exudates are seen in impetigo, and hypopigmented oval scaly lesions are typical of pityriasis alba.

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