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. What intervention is contraindicated in a suspected case of appendicitis?

• A. Enemas
• B. Palpating the abdomen
• C. Administration of antibiotics
• D. Administration of antipyretics for fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enemas are contraindicated in cases of suspected appendicitis because they can increase the risk of perforation. The pressure from the enema can exacerbate inflammation and potentially lead to the rupture of the appendix. Palpating the abdomen gently is essential for diagnosing appendicitis, as it helps identify the characteristic signs like rebound tenderness. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the infection associated with appendicitis, and antipyretics are administered to manage fever, which is a common symptom of the condition. Therefore, enemas are the intervention to avoid in suspected appendicitis cases.

3. What is the earliest age at which a satisfactory radial pulse can be taken in children?

• A. 1 year
• B. 2 years
• C. 3 years
• D. 6 years

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A satisfactory radial pulse can typically be taken starting at around 3 years of age, as younger children often have pulses that are too fast and irregular for accurate measurement.

4. The nurse is planning care for a patient with a different ethnic background. Which should be an appropriate goal?

• A. Adapt, as necessary, ethnic practices to health needs
• B. Attempt, in a nonjudgmental way, to change ethnic beliefs
• C. Encourage continuation of ethnic practices in the hospital setting
• D. Strive to keep ethnic background from influencing health needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adapting ethnic practices to health needs respects the patient's cultural background while ensuring that care is effective and culturally sensitive.

5. When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Sudden relief from pain
• D. Decreased abdominal distention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, sudden relief from pain is a critical sign that could indicate perforation of the appendix. Perforation results in the release of pressure and inflammation, leading to a temporary relief of pain. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and decreased abdominal distention are symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis itself, not perforation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically a direct manifestation of appendicitis or its complications.

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