Nursing Elites

1. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

2. When auscultating an infant's lungs, the nurse detects diminished breath sounds. What should the nurse interpret this as?

• A. Suggestive of chronic pulmonary disease
• B. Suggestive of impending respiratory failure
• C. An abnormal finding warranting investigation
• D. A normal finding in infants younger than 1 year of age

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Diminished breath sounds in an infant are an abnormal finding and warrant further investigation to rule out conditions like atelectasis or pneumonia.

3. A 3-year-old child, previously potty-trained, becomes a bed-wetter again during a hospital stay. Which explanation should the nurse provide to the parents?

• A. “Your child is no longer potty-trained and will need to be retrained when she goes home.”
• B. “The child may have developed a bladder infection in the hospital. I will notify the doctor.”
• C. “Preschool children may regress in their behaviors when they are ill in the hospital but should return to normal when they go back home.”
• D. “Don’t worry about it, she is fine.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a hospital stay, preschool children may exhibit regression in behaviors such as bed-wetting due to stress. It is important for parents to understand that this behavior is a common response to the hospital environment and should resolve once the child is back home. Therefore, the correct explanation for the nurse to provide to the parents is choice C. Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately states that the child is no longer potty-trained. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes a medical issue without evidence. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the parents' concerns without addressing the underlying cause of the behavior.

4. At what age is binocularity, the ability to fixate on one visual field with both eyes simultaneously, typically achieved?

• A. 1 month
• B. 3 to 4 months
• C. 6 to 8 months
• D. 12 months

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Binocularity, the ability to fixate on one visual field with both eyes simultaneously, is typically achieved by the age of 3 to 4 months. Achieving binocularity at 1 month is too early for most infants as their visual system is still developing. Similarly, 6 to 8 months and 12 months are beyond the normal age range for achieving binocularity, and delayed achievement could indicate potential issues like strabismus, which may lead to visual impairment if not addressed.

5. What is a high-fiber food that the nurse should recommend for a child with chronic constipation?

• A. White rice
• B. Popcorn
• C. Fruit juice
• D. Ripe bananas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Popcorn is a high-fiber food that can help manage chronic constipation in children. Other options like white rice and ripe bananas are low in fiber and less effective for treating constipation.

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