Nursing Elites

1. Mr. Lopez has a 7-year-old son with growth hormone (GH) deficiency. He shares with the nurse the desire of his son to play ball games. However, his wife feels the child will be in danger since he is smaller than the other children. In planning anticipatory guidance for these parents, the nurse should keep in mind which of the following?

• A. The child should be allowed to play because doing so can foster healthy self-esteem
• B. The risk for fractures is increased because GH deficiency results in fragile bones
• C. Activity could aggravate insulin sensitivity, causing hyperglycemia
• D. Activity would aggravate the child's joints, already overtasked by obesity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Children with GH deficiency may face challenges due to their size, but it is important to encourage their participation in activities like playing ball games to promote healthy self-esteem. Allowing the child to play can help in building confidence and a sense of accomplishment, which are essential for their overall well-being.

2. The mother of an 11-year-old girl confides to the nurse that her child has no interest in school activities, exercise, or even family outings. The most appropriate response by the nurse would be:

• A. I would recommend that she see a counselor at school.
• B. I would not worry; she will grow out of it.
• C. Many girls this age go through a time of malaise and disinterest.
• D. If she still feels the same way when you come back for the next well-child visit, I will recommend a therapist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child shows a lack of interest in various activities, including school, exercise, and family outings, it is essential to address the underlying reasons. Recommending that the child see a counselor at school is crucial to explore potential issues and provide appropriate support and guidance. This approach can help identify any emotional, social, or behavioral concerns the child may be experiencing and facilitate early intervention and support. Choice B is incorrect because dismissing the mother's concerns and assuming the child will grow out of it without addressing the issue is not appropriate. Choice C is incorrect because while some children may go through phases of disinterest, it is essential to investigate further rather than generalizing. Choice D is incorrect because waiting until the next visit without taking proactive steps to address the current lack of interest may delay necessary support and intervention.

3. A child is being admitted to the hospital for probable pneumonia. The nurse asks what the parents have done at home for this illness. The parent comments that they have given the child a tea made up of herbs that a neighbor recommended. The parents ask if that is a safe thing to do. The most appropriate response for the nurse is:

• A. Sure, if it doesn't make the child worse, it could help.
• B. Of course, teas are rarely harmful.
• C. It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.
• D. Absolutely not, herbal teas are not appropriate for children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response is C: 'It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.' This response acknowledges the potential differences in the effects of herbal teas on adults versus children and highlights the importance of considering the lack of specific research on this topic when it comes to pediatric care. Choice A is incorrect because assuming something is safe without evidence can be risky in a pediatric setting. Choice B is also incorrect as it oversimplifies the safety of herbal teas. Choice D is too definitive and does not consider the possibility that herbal teas might have different effects on children than on adults.

4. A toddler is admitted to the hospital because of sudden hoarseness, holding or pointing to their neck, and continuous cough. The nurse will be particularly concerned about:

• A. Acute respiratory tract infection
• B. Respiratory tract obstruction caused by a foreign body
• C. Retropharyngeal abscess
• D. Undetected laryngeal abnormality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a toddler presenting with sudden hoarseness, holding or pointing to their neck, and continuous cough, the nurse should be particularly concerned about respiratory tract obstruction caused by a foreign body. These symptoms are indicative of a possible foreign body in the airway, which can lead to serious complications and requires immediate attention to ensure the toddler's airway remains patent and unobstructed.

5. Which behavior is most indicative that a 2-year-old is experiencing the initial phase of separation anxiety because his parents cannot stay all day at the hospital with him?

• A. He withdraws from the nursing staff.
• B. He cries when his parents leave.
• C. He lies quietly in bed.
• D. He cries when his parents arrive.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most indicative behavior of a 2-year-old experiencing the initial phase of separation anxiety due to parents not staying all day at the hospital is crying when his parents leave. This behavior is a common manifestation of separation anxiety in children, as they struggle with the absence of their primary attachment figures. Choices A, C, and D are less indicative because withdrawing from the nursing staff, lying quietly in bed, or crying when parents arrive do not specifically demonstrate the distress caused by separation from parents, which is the hallmark of separation anxiety in children.

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