Nursing Elites

1. The mother of an 11-year-old boy with juvenile arthritis tells the nurse, 'I really don’t want my son to become dependent on pain medication, so I only allow him to take it when he is really hurting.' Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this mother?

• A. Encouraging the child to rest when he experiences pain
• B. Encouraging quiet activities like watching television as a pain distractor
• C. Suggesting the use of hot baths as an alternative to pain medication
• D. Explaining that giving pain medication around the clock helps control the pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should educate the mother that giving pain medication around the clock helps maintain a consistent level of pain control, preventing severe pain episodes and improving the child's quality of life. It is essential to manage pain proactively rather than waiting for the child to be in severe pain before administering medication. Choices A, B, and C do not address the importance of proactive pain management and maintaining a consistent level of pain control. Encouraging rest, quiet activities, or hot baths as distractions or alternatives may not provide adequate pain relief for the child with juvenile arthritis, and they do not address the underlying issue of effective pain management.

2. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child's plan of care?

• A. Encourage a variety of large portions of food at every meal.
• B. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
• C. Recommend eating the food as siblings eat at home.
• D. Restrict food brought from fast food restaurants.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to eat any food desired and tolerated is the most appropriate intervention for a child with altered nutrition due to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. It is crucial to prioritize maintaining adequate nutritional intake, and by allowing the child to choose foods they desire and can tolerate, the chances of improving their nutritional status increase. This approach helps in ensuring that the child receives necessary nutrients during chemotherapy, even if their appetite is affected by the treatment. Encouraging a variety of large portions of food at every meal (Choice A) may overwhelm the child and worsen their symptoms. Recommending eating the food as siblings eat at home (Choice C) may not align with the child's preferences and tolerances. Restricting food brought from fast food restaurants (Choice D) is not suitable as it may limit the child's options and preferences during a challenging time.

3. The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours; it is now 76 bpm, whereas the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
• B. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.
• C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
• D. Blood pressure of 70/40.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure to 70/40 is a critical finding that suggests potential cardiovascular compromise and requires urgent attention to prevent further deterioration. Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and urine output are important parameters, but in this scenario, the alarming decrease in blood pressure is a more critical finding that necessitates immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

4. What information should be reinforced with the mother of a child with ringworm (Tinea)?

• A. Ringworm is not contagious.
• B. Tinea infections are indicative of poor hygiene and uncleanliness.
• C. Tinea infections are spread by direct and indirect contact.
• D. Ringworm often subsides spontaneously.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ringworm, a fungal infection, is highly contagious and can be spread by direct contact with infected individuals or animals and indirectly through contaminated objects. It is important for the mother to understand the modes of transmission to prevent the spread of the infection to others and to take necessary precautions to ensure proper treatment and containment of the condition. Choices A and D are incorrect because ringworm is indeed contagious, and it may not always subside spontaneously. Choice B is misleading as tinea infections are not solely indicative of poor hygiene; they can affect anyone, regardless of personal cleanliness.

5. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of digoxin to a 4-year-old child with heart failure. The healthcare provider notes that the child’s heart rate is 70 beats per minute. What should the healthcare provider do next?

• A. Administer the medication as prescribed
• B. Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
• C. Recheck the heart rate in 30 minutes
• D. Administer half of the prescribed dose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric patients, digoxin administration is guided by the heart rate. If the child's heart rate is below the established threshold, which is typically 90-100 beats per minute in a 4-year-old, the medication should be withheld, and the healthcare provider should be notified for further evaluation and instructions. Choice A is incorrect because administering the medication when the heart rate is low can lead to adverse effects. Rechecking the heart rate in 30 minutes (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention if the heart rate remains low. Administering half of the prescribed dose (Choice D) is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance.

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