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. Which treatment is instituted for the therapeutic management of minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

• A. corticosteroids
• B. antihypertensive agents
• C. long-term diuretics
• D. increased fluids to promote diuresis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome as they help reduce inflammation and decrease proteinuria. Antihypertensive agents are used to manage high blood pressure often associated with kidney disease but are not the primary treatment for this condition. Long-term diuretics are not typically used in the management of minimal change nephrotic syndrome as they can worsen fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Increasing fluids to promote diuresis is not recommended in this condition as it can lead to further fluid retention and edema.

3. After a child has just returned from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?

• A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube
• B. Changing the tracheostomy dressing
• C. Monitoring respiratory status
• D. Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a child has undergone tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning is crucial to maintain a clear airway, remove secretions, and prevent potential airway obstruction, which is essential for the child's respiratory function. Changing the tracheostomy dressing, while important for wound care, does not take precedence over airway clearance. Monitoring respiratory status is vital but comes after ensuring airway patency. Ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure is significant for stabilizing the tube but is not as urgent as maintaining a patent airway through suctioning.

4. Why might a healthcare provider question a health care provider's order for a tap water enema for a 6-month-old infant with suspected Hirschsprung disease?

• A. The result could lead to loss of necessary nutrients.
• B. It could cause a fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
• C. It could increase the fear of intrusive procedures.
• D. The result could cause shock from a sudden drop in temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tap water enemas can cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in infants, making them unsafe for this age group. Choice A is incorrect because tap water enemas are unlikely to lead to loss of necessary nutrients. Choice C is incorrect as it does not directly relate to the physiological risk of tap water enemas. Choice D is incorrect as shock from a sudden drop in temperature is not a common concern with tap water enemas.

5. A child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child has coarctation of the aorta, the nurse would expect to identify a weak radial pulse when taking the child's vital signs. Coarctation of the aorta results in a narrowing of the aorta, leading to reduced blood flow and a weakened pulse. An irregular heartbeat (Choice B) is less likely to be associated with coarctation of the aorta. Similarly, a bounding femoral pulse (Choice C) is not typically observed with this condition. An elevated radial blood pressure (Choice D) is less common as coarctation of the aorta usually causes decreased blood pressure in the lower extremities due to the aortic narrowing.

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