Nursing Elites

1. Rectal temperatures are indicated in which situation?

• A. In the newborn period
• B. Whenever accuracy is essential
• C. Rectal temperatures are never indicated
• D. When rapid temperature changes are occurring

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rectal temperatures provide the most accurate measurement of core body temperature and are therefore indicated when accuracy is essential.

2. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

3. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

4. The nurse is teaching parents guidelines for feeding their 8-month-old infant with failure to thrive (FTT). Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will continue to use the 24-kcal/oz formula.
• B. We will be sure to follow the formula preparation instructions.
• C. We will be sure to give our infant at least 8 oz of juice every day.
• D. We will be sure to feed our infant according to the written schedule.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing 8 oz of juice daily is excessive for an 8-month-old infant and can displace other nutrient-rich foods or formulas that are necessary for growth, especially in an infant with FTT.

5. What information should be given to the parents of a 12-month-old child regarding appropriate play activities for this age?

• A. Give large push-pull toys for kinetic stimulation
• B. Place a cradle gym across the crib to help develop fine motor skills
• C. Provide the child with finger paints to enhance fine motor skills
• D. Provide a stick horse to develop gross motor coordination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Large push-pull toys are suitable for a 12-month-old as they encourage gross motor skills and physical activity, which are crucial for their development at this age.

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