Nursing Elites

1. In what condition should the nurse be alert for altered fluid requirements in children? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Oliguric renal failure
• B. Increased intracranial pressure
• C. Mechanical ventilation
• D. All above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Conditions like oliguric renal failure, increased intracranial pressure, and mechanical ventilation significantly alter fluid requirements in children. These conditions either restrict fluid output or require careful fluid management to avoid worsening the condition.

2. The nurse is discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a 17-year-old student. Which cognitive development theory should the teaching plan be based on?

• A. Sensorimotor reactions
• B. Limited cause and effect understanding
• C. Abstract thinking
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Abstract thinking.' According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, adolescents, typically around the age of 12 and older, enter the formal operational stage where they can think abstractly and reason about hypothetical situations. When discussing complex topics like STIs with a 17-year-old student, it is essential to base the teaching plan on abstract thinking. Choice A, 'Sensorimotor reactions,' is incorrect as it pertains to the earliest stage in Piaget's theory (birth to 2 years old) focusing on sensory experiences and physical interactions. Choice B, 'Limited cause and effect understanding,' does not align with the cognitive abilities of a 17-year-old who is capable of more advanced thinking. Choice D, 'Concrete thinking,' is also incorrect as it refers to the stage before formal operations, where individuals think more concretely and struggle with abstract concepts.

3. A father calls the clinic because he found his young daughter squirting Visine eyedrops into her mouth. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Reassure the father that Visine is harmless.
• B. Direct him to seek immediate medical treatment.
• C. Recommend inducing vomiting with ipecac.
• D. Advise him to dilute Visine by giving his daughter several glasses of water to drink.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Visine is not harmless when ingested, and immediate medical treatment is necessary due to the risk of toxicity. Vomiting should not be induced without medical advice, and dilution with water is not an appropriate treatment.

4. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

5. What approach is the most appropriate when performing a physical assessment on a toddler?

• A. Demonstrate the use of equipment
• B. Perform traumatic procedures last
• C. Use minimum physical contact initially
• D. Always proceed systematically in a head-to-toe direction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate approach when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimum physical contact initially. This helps gain the toddler's cooperation and reduces their distress. Performing traumatic procedures last is crucial as they are likely to upset the child and should be handled with care. Demonstrating the use of equipment may be complex for toddlers to understand, so it is not the most appropriate initial approach. Proceeding systematically in a head-to-toe direction is a good practice but using minimum physical contact initially is more important to establish trust and cooperation with the toddler.

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