Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a 13-year-old boy with type 2 diabetes mellitus. What would the nurse correlate with the disorder?

• A. The parents report that their child had 'a cold or flu' recently.
• B. Blood pressure is decreased when checking vital signs.
• C. The parents report that their son 'can’t drink enough water.'
• D. Auscultation reveals Kussmaul breathing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Excessive thirst (polydipsia) is a common symptom of type 2 diabetes mellitus, indicating high blood glucose levels. This symptom occurs due to the body trying to get rid of excess glucose through urine, leading to dehydration and increased thirst. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is more indicative of a recent viral illness rather than a symptom of diabetes. Choice B, decreased blood pressure, is not typically associated with type 2 diabetes; in fact, diabetes can often lead to hypertension. Choice D, Kussmaul breathing, is more characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is more common in type 1 diabetes rather than type 2 diabetes.

2. The nurse is caring for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome whose mother had no prenatal care. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia
• B. Deficient knowledge related to the presence of a genetic disorder
• C. Delayed growth and development related to cognitive impairment
• D. Impaired physical mobility related to poor muscle tone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a newborn with Down syndrome is often related to feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, making imbalanced nutrition the primary concern. Hypotonia, or poor muscle tone, can lead to challenges with feeding and, subsequently, affect the baby's nutritional intake. While choices B, C, and D may also be concerns for a child with Down syndrome, addressing the immediate need for adequate nutrition takes precedence to ensure the infant's well-being and growth.

3. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child with Addison's disease. What would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased aldosterone production. This results in impaired sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia. Therefore, the correct answer is hyperkalemia (choice B). Hypernatremia (choice A) is less likely because of the loss of sodium in Addison's disease. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with Addison's disease and are less likely to be present in this condition.

4. The nurse is assessing a child with a possible fracture. What would the nurse identify as the most reliable indicator?

• A. Lack of spontaneous movement
• B. Point tenderness
• C. Bruising
• D. Inability to bear weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Point tenderness is the most reliable indicator of a possible fracture in a child. It is a localized tenderness experienced when pressure is applied to a specific area, suggesting a potential fracture. This tenderness is considered more specific to a fracture than other symptoms such as lack of spontaneous movement, bruising, or inability to bear weight. Lack of spontaneous movement and inability to bear weight can be present in various musculoskeletal injuries, while bruising may not always be immediate or specific to a fracture.

5. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

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