Nursing Elites

1. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Slow respirations
• C. Warm, flushed skin
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

2. Which distraction technique should be used for an adolescent child during a painful procedure?

• A. Blowing bubbles
• B. Guided imagery
• C. EMLA cream
• D. Sucrose solution

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Guided imagery. Guided imagery is an effective distraction technique for adolescents as it helps them focus on positive mental images instead of the pain. This technique can be a powerful tool in managing pain and anxiety during procedures. Blowing bubbles (choice A) may be more suitable for younger children as it can engage them visually and help distract them. EMLA cream (choice C) is a topical anesthetic and not a distraction technique. Sucrose solution (choice D) is used for pain relief in infants, not typically for adolescents undergoing painful procedures.

3. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

4. A 4-month-old infant is discharged home after surgery for the repair of a cleft lip. What should instructions to the parents include?

• A. Provide crib toys for distraction
• B. Breast- or bottle-feeding can begin immediately
• C. Give pain medication to the infant to minimize crying
• D. Leave the infant in the crib at all times to prevent suture strain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain management is essential postoperatively to reduce crying, which could place strain on the surgical site. Feeding and holding the infant are allowed, but care should be taken to avoid placing pressure on the suture line.

5. What may be a clinical manifestation of failure to thrive (FTT) in a 13-month-old include?

• A. Irregularity in activities of daily living
• B. Preferring solid food to milk or formula
• C. Weight that is at or below the 10th percentile
• D. Appropriate achievement of developmental landmarks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: FTT is characterized by weight that falls below the 10th percentile, often accompanied by delayed developmental milestones and poor feeding habits. Regularity in activities and preference for solid food over milk or formula are less commonly associated with FTT.

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