Nursing Elites

1. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

2. A child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is hospitalized for treatment. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Preventing infection
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Managing pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child hospitalized for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is preventing infection. Children with ALL have compromised immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to infections. Preventing infections through strict aseptic techniques, isolation precautions, and proper hygiene is crucial to safeguard the child's health. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection occurs, but the primary focus should be on infection prevention. While providing nutritional support (choice C) is important, preventing infection takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's survival. Managing pain (choice D) is essential for the child's comfort but is not the priority over preventing life-threatening infections in this scenario.

3. A parent tells the nurse in the emergency department, 'My 3-year-old has had a fever for several days and has been vomiting.' After instituting ordered measures to reduce the fever, what nursing action is most important?

• A. Preventing shivering
• B. Restricting oral fluids
• C. Measuring output hourly
• D. Taking vital signs hourly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Preventing shivering is crucial in this scenario as it can increase body temperature and counteract the effects of antipyretic measures aimed at reducing the fever. Shivering generates heat through muscle activity, which can elevate the body temperature. Restricting oral fluids (choice B) is inappropriate as maintaining hydration is vital, especially in cases of fever and vomiting. Measuring output hourly (choice C) and taking vital signs hourly (choice D) are important nursing actions but not the most critical in this case where preventing shivering takes precedence.

4. A child is admitted with extensive burns. The nurse notes burns on the child’s lips and singed nasal hairs. The nurse should suspect that the child has a(n)

• A. chemical burn
• B. inhalation injury
• C. electrical burn
• D. hot-water scald

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Burns on the lips and singed nasal hairs are indicative of an inhalation injury. This suggests that the child has likely inhaled hot gases or smoke, leading to damage in the respiratory tract. Choice A, chemical burn, is incorrect because the symptoms described are more aligned with inhalation rather than direct contact with chemicals. Choice C, electrical burn, is incorrect as there are no mentions of contact with an electrical source. Choice D, hot-water scald, is also incorrect as the presentation of burns on the lips and singed nasal hairs is not characteristic of scald injuries.

5. When developing the plan of care for a child with burns requiring fluid replacement therapy, what information would the nurse expect to include?

• A. Administration of colloid initially followed by a crystalloid
• B. Determination of fluid replacement based on the type of burn
• C. Administration of most of the volume during the first 8 hours
• D. Monitoring of hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In fluid replacement therapy for burns, the majority of the volume should be administered within the first 8 hours to prevent shock and maintain perfusion. Choice A is incorrect because crystalloids are typically administered first in fluid resuscitation for burns. Choice B is incorrect as fluid replacement in burn patients is primarily determined by the extent of the burn injury rather than the type of burn. Choice D is incorrect as the goal for hourly urine output in burn patients is generally higher, aiming for 1-2 mL/kg/hr in children to ensure adequate renal perfusion and prevent dehydration.

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