Nursing Elites

1. The mother of an 11-year-old girl confides to the nurse that her child has no interest in school activities, exercise, or even family outings. The most appropriate response by the nurse would be:

• A. I would recommend that she see a counselor at school.
• B. I would not worry; she will grow out of it.
• C. Many girls this age go through a time of malaise and disinterest.
• D. If she still feels the same way when you come back for the next well-child visit, I will recommend a therapist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child shows a lack of interest in various activities, including school, exercise, and family outings, it is essential to address the underlying reasons. Recommending that the child see a counselor at school is crucial to explore potential issues and provide appropriate support and guidance. This approach can help identify any emotional, social, or behavioral concerns the child may be experiencing and facilitate early intervention and support. Choice B is incorrect because dismissing the mother's concerns and assuming the child will grow out of it without addressing the issue is not appropriate. Choice C is incorrect because while some children may go through phases of disinterest, it is essential to investigate further rather than generalizing. Choice D is incorrect because waiting until the next visit without taking proactive steps to address the current lack of interest may delay necessary support and intervention.

2. A 3-year-old is seen in the clinic and is diagnosed with an ear infection. The father reports that the child was awake several times during the night, crying. The PRIORITY nursing diagnosis for this child is:

• A. Sleep Pattern Disturbance related to pain.
• B. Pain related to ear infection.
• C. Altered Family Processes related to ill child.
• D. Ineffective Thermoregulation Related to Infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a child diagnosed with an ear infection and experiencing nighttime awakenings and crying would be 'Pain related to ear infection.' Pain management is crucial to ensure the child's comfort and well-being, which can also impact their sleep patterns. Addressing the pain as a priority can lead to improved sleep and overall recovery for the child.

3. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for a 3-month-old hospitalized with a fractured femur?

• A. FLACC scale
• B. Poker chip tool
• C. Number scale
• D. Visual analog scale

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The FLACC scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is specifically designed for nonverbal patients like infants and young children. It assesses pain based on observable behaviors such as facial expressions, leg movement, activity level, cry, and the ability to be consoled. In this case, a 3-month-old infant who is unable to communicate verbally would best be assessed using the FLACC scale to determine the level of pain experienced due to a fractured femur. The Poker chip tool, Number scale, and Visual analog scale are not suitable for nonverbal infants and young children as they rely on self-reporting or cognitive abilities that are not yet developed at this age.

4. Which artery should you palpate when assessing for a pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old patient?

• A. Radial
• B. Brachial
• C. Femoral
• D. Carotid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing for a pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old patient, the brachial artery is the recommended site for palpation. This is because the brachial artery is easily accessible and provides a reliable indication of the patient's circulatory status in infants.

5. Why should small children ride in the backseat of a vehicle?

• A. They are much less likely to be ejected from the vehicle.
• B. The back of the front seat will provide a cushion during a crash.
• C. They can experience severe injury or death if the airbag deploys.
• D. Their legs are highly prone to injury from striking the dashboard.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Small children should ride in the backseat of a vehicle primarily to avoid severe injury or death that may occur if the airbag deploys. In the event of a crash, the force of an airbag deployment can be dangerous for a child seated in the front seat. Placing them in the backseat reduces the risk of serious harm from airbag impact and is a safer seating position for young passengers.

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