Nursing Elites

1. A child presents to the emergency department with colicky abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant. What disorder is suspected based on these symptoms?

• A. Peritonitis
• B. Appendicitis
• C. Intussusception
• D. Hirschsprung's disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The child's presentation of colicky abdominal pain in the lower right quadrant is classic for appendicitis. Appendicitis typically presents with localized pain that starts near the umbilicus and then shifts to the right lower quadrant. Peritonitis, on the other hand, is characterized by diffuse abdominal pain, tenderness, and guarding, usually resulting from organ perforation or intestinal obstruction. Intussusception is associated with acute, severe abdominal pain and currant jelly-like stools due to intestinal telescoping. Hirschsprung's disease, which lacks ganglion cells in the colon, manifests with symptoms like constipation, abdominal distension, and foul-smelling, ribbon-like stools.

2. A patient with a cast on the right leg is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following assessment findings would be most concerning for the nurse?

• A. The capillary refill time is 2 seconds
• B. The patient complains of itching and discomfort
• C. The cast has a foul-smelling odor
• D. The patient is on antibiotics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A foul-smelling odor emanating from the cast is a concerning finding as it indicates the possibility of infection or the presence of a pressure ulcer. These conditions can lead to serious complications if not promptly addressed. It is crucial for the nurse to investigate further and take appropriate actions to prevent potential harm to the patient. The other options do not directly indicate a risk of infection or complications associated with the cast. Itching and discomfort are common complaints due to wearing a cast, and the patient being on antibiotics may be part of their treatment plan for an unrelated condition. Capillary refill time of 2 seconds is within the normal range and would not be a cause for immediate concern in this scenario.

3. A patient with severe mitral regurgitation and decreased cardiac output is being cared for by a nurse. The nurse assesses the patient for mental status changes. What is the rationale for this intervention?

• A. Decreased cardiac output can cause hypoxia to the brain
• B. Mental status changes may be a side effect of the patient's medication
• C. Mitral regurgitation is a complication associated with some neurological disorders
• D. The patient may be confused about his diagnosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with severe mitral regurgitation and decreased cardiac output, assessing for mental status changes is crucial. Decreased cardiac output can lead to inadequate perfusion and oxygenation of vital organs, including the brain, resulting in hypoxia. This hypoxia can manifest as mental status changes such as confusion, restlessness, or lethargy. Therefore, monitoring mental status helps in identifying potential hypoxic states and guiding appropriate interventions. The other options are incorrect as they do not directly correlate decreased cardiac output with potential hypoxia-induced mental status changes.

4. A nurse has just started her rounds delivering medication. A new patient on her rounds is a 4-year-old boy who is non-verbal. This child does not have any identification on. What should the nurse do?

• A. Contact the provider
• B. Ask the child to write their name on paper
• C. Ask a coworker about the identification of the child
• D. Ask the father who is in the room the child's name

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When encountering a non-verbal child without identification, it is appropriate for the nurse to ask the accompanying parent or guardian for the child's name. The father, being present in the room, can provide the necessary information. This ensures accurate identification to deliver the correct medication. Contacting the provider may cause unnecessary delays. Asking a non-verbal child to write their name is not feasible. Asking a coworker may not provide reliable identification as they may not have direct knowledge.

5. The nursing care plan for a toddler diagnosed with Kawasaki Disease (mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome) should be based on the high risk for development of which problem?

• A. Chronic vessel plaque formation
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Occlusions at the vessel bifurcations
• D. Coronary artery aneurysms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is chronic vessel plaque formation. Kawasaki Disease affects small and medium-sized blood vessels, leading to progressive inflammation and potential damage to the walls of medium-sized muscular arteries, which can result in coronary artery aneurysms. While other complications such as pulmonary embolism and occlusions at vessel bifurcations can occur in different conditions, for Kawasaki Disease, the primary concern is the development of chronic vessel plaque formation.

Similar Questions