Nursing Elites

1. Following corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), an infant is returned to the pediatric unit with an IV infusion in place. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Apply adequate restraints.
• B. Administer a mild sedative.
• C. Assess the IV site for infiltration.
• D. Attach the nasogastric tube to wall suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is to assess the IV site for infiltration. This is crucial to ensure proper fluid administration and prevent complications such as extravasation or infiltration. Applying restraints (Choice A) is not indicated in this scenario and can compromise the infant's comfort and safety. Administering a mild sedative (Choice B) is not necessary and should only be done based on specific clinical indications. Attaching the nasogastric tube to wall suction (Choice D) may be important for certain conditions but is not the priority immediately post-surgery; assessing the IV site is more urgent to prevent potential complications related to IV therapy.

2. A child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is to receive prednisone as part of their treatment plan. After teaching the child's parents about this drug, which statement by the parents indicates the need for additional teaching?

• A. We should give this drug after he eats something.
• B. We need to watch carefully for possible infections.
• C. The drug should not be stopped abruptly.
• D. He might experience weight gain with this drug.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement should be, 'We should give this drug after he eats something.' Prednisone should be administered with food to help prevent gastrointestinal upset. Choice B is correct as monitoring for infections is important due to prednisone's immunosuppressive effects. Choice C is correct as prednisone should not be stopped suddenly to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is correct as weight gain is a common side effect of prednisone.

3. What should the nurse recommend to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in a 6-month-old infant?

• A. Place the infant on their back to sleep
• B. Use a pacifier during sleep
• C. Have the infant sleep on their side
• D. Keep the infant's room cool

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing the infant on their back to sleep is the correct recommendation to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This sleep position has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of SIDS. Using a pacifier during sleep (Choice B) can also help reduce the risk, but it is secondary to the back sleeping position. Having the infant sleep on their side (Choice C) is not recommended, as it increases the risk of SIDS. Keeping the infant's room cool (Choice D) may provide a comfortable sleeping environment but does not directly reduce the risk of SIDS.

4. The school nurse is caring for a boy with hemophilia who fell on his arm during recess. What supportive measures should the nurse use until factor replacement therapy can be instituted?

• A. Apply warm, moist compresses
• B. Apply pressure for at least 1 minute
• C. Elevate the area above the level of the heart
• D. Begin passive range-of-motion unless the pain is severe

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the affected area above the level of the heart is the correct supportive measure for a child with hemophilia who has experienced trauma. This action helps reduce bleeding and swelling by promoting venous return and preventing further pooling of blood in the affected area. Applying warm, moist compresses (Choice A) may not be recommended as it can potentially increase bleeding by dilating blood vessels. Applying pressure for at least 1 minute (Choice B) can be helpful for minor cuts or wounds but may not be as effective in managing bleeding in a child with hemophilia. Beginning passive range-of-motion (Choice D) should be avoided as it can exacerbate bleeding and cause further damage in a child with hemophilia.

5. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who has difficulty breathing and prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?

• A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
• B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
• C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
• D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles are signs of respiratory distress in infants. These clinical manifestations can be associated with trauma, such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS), which can lead to severe head injuries and respiratory compromise. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation (Choice A) is more related to prematurity complications rather than SBS. The absence of stridor and adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) may not be specific indicators of SBS. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds (Choice C) alone may not be as concerning as the presence of retractions and use of accessory muscles in the context of a distressed infant.

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