Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old African American child whose height and weight are at the 20th percentile on the growth chart. What should the nurse recognize?

• A. The data suggest the child requires nutritional intervention
• B. The NCHS charts are accurate for U.S. African American children
• C. A correction factor is used for nonwhite ethnic groups
• D. No assessment can be made until several measurements are plotted over time

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The NCHS growth charts serve as reference guides for all racial or ethnic groups, including African American children. The 20th percentile for height and weight does not indicate nutritional failure but provides a reference point for ongoing assessment. Choice A is incorrect because being at the 20th percentile does not automatically imply the need for nutritional intervention. Choice C is incorrect as there is no correction factor specifically used for nonwhite ethnic groups in this context. Choice D is incorrect as a single measurement at the 20th percentile can provide valuable information for assessment.

2. A nurse must do a venipuncture on a 6-year-old child. What consideration is important in providing atraumatic care?

• A. Use an 18-gauge needle if possible.
• B. Show the child the equipment to be used before the procedure.
• C. If not successful after four attempts, have another nurse try.
• D. Restrain the child completely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Showing the child the equipment before the procedure helps build trust and reduces fear. Using an 18-gauge needle is too large for a child, and multiple attempts can increase trauma. Restraining completely can increase fear and anxiety.

3. During the nurse’s initial assessment of a school-age child, the child reports a pain level of 6 out of 10. The child is lying quietly in bed watching television. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Reassess the child in 15 minutes to see if the pain rating has changed
• B. Administer the prescribed analgesic
• C. Do nothing since the child appears to be resting
• D. Ask the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain management should be based on the child’s report of pain, regardless of their activity level. Administering the prescribed analgesic is the appropriate action. Reassessing the child in 15 minutes without providing immediate pain relief may not be in the child's best interest. Doing nothing since the child appears to be resting may lead to inadequate pain management. Asking the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting does not replace the need for direct assessment and intervention by the nurse.

4. The nurse is using a bulb syringe to suction a neonate after delivery. What is an important consideration?

• A. Compress the bulb before insertion.
• B. Clear the mouth and pharynx before the nasal passages.
• C. Use two bulb syringes, one for the mouth and pharynx and one for the nasal passages.
• D. Continue using a bulb syringe until secretions are removed as mechanical suction is contraindicated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct consideration when using a bulb syringe to suction a neonate after delivery is to clear the mouth and pharynx before the nasal passages to prevent aspiration of amniotic fluid. Compressing the bulb syringe before insertion is important to create suction. Using two bulb syringes is unnecessary, as one is sufficient for both the mouth/pharynx and nasal passages. It is not recommended to continue using a bulb syringe until all secretions are removed; instead, mechanical suction can be employed if more forceful removal of secretions is required.

5. A parent brings their 2-year-old son in for a well visit. The nurse assesses his growth since the last appointment. Which finding should concern the nurse?

• A. Prominent abdomen
• B. Forward curve of the spine in the sacral area
• C. Increase in height of 5 inches in the past year
• D. Total weight gain of 15 lb in the past year

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A total weight gain of 15 lb in one year for a 2-year-old is excessive and may indicate an underlying issue such as a metabolic disorder or overfeeding. This rapid weight gain can put the child at risk for health problems. Choices A, B, and C are not typically concerning findings in a 2-year-old. A prominent abdomen can be normal at this age due to a toddler's slightly protruding belly, a forward curve of the spine at the sacral area is a typical finding in young children, and an increase in height of 5 inches in a year is within the expected range of growth for a 2-year-old.

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