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. What should the nurse suggest to a parent asking for advice on managing their child's earache and fever?

• A. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear
• B. Giving the child a cold drink
• C. Administering acetaminophen
• D. Taking the child to the emergency department

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest applying a warm compress to the affected ear. This can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with the earache. Giving a cold drink (Choice B) may not address the underlying issue and is not a recommended treatment for earaches. Administering acetaminophen (Choice C) can help reduce fever but may not directly target the earache. Taking the child to the emergency department (Choice D) is usually not necessary for a common earache unless there are severe symptoms or complications present.

3. A nurse is assessing a 3-month-old infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. What clinical manifestation is the nurse likely to observe?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation
• D. Abdominal distension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Projectile vomiting is the hallmark clinical manifestation of pyloric stenosis in infants. In pyloric stenosis, the muscle surrounding the opening between the stomach and the small intestine thickens, leading to obstruction. This obstruction causes forceful, projectile vomiting, which is typically non-bilious (does not contain bile) and occurs after feedings. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal distension are not typical symptoms of pyloric stenosis.

4. A nurse is planning an initial home care visit to a mother who gave birth to a high-risk infant. For what time of day should the nurse schedule the visit to be most productive?

• A. When the husband is out of the home.
• B. At a time when the mother is feeding the infant.
• C. At a time that is convenient for the family.
• D. When the nurse can spend time with the family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Scheduling the visit at a time that is convenient for the family is crucial for ensuring the family's receptiveness and availability, making the visit more productive. Choosing a time when the mother is feeding the infant (choice B) may not necessarily align with the family's overall convenience and may disrupt the feeding routine. Similarly, scheduling the visit when the husband is out of the home (choice A) might not be optimal as it may exclude an important family member and potentially impact the support system. While spending time with the family (choice D) is important, the primary focus should be on accommodating the family's schedule to maximize the effectiveness of the visit.

5. What behavior is essential for preventing in a child postoperatively after undergoing heart surgery to repair defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot?

• A. Crying
• B. Coughing
• C. Straining at stool
• D. Unnecessary movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing straining at stool is crucial postoperatively after heart surgery for tetralogy of Fallot to avoid increasing intrathoracic pressure and placing stress on the surgical site. This can help prevent complications and promote faster healing. While crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement are common postoperative behaviors, they are not specifically linked to worsening outcomes in this context. Straining at stool is particularly emphasized due to its potential to impact the surgical site and overall recovery process.

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