Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a 9-year-old girl with a history of tuberculosis at age 6 years. She has been losing weight and has no appetite. The nurse suspects Addison disease based on which assessment findings?

• A. Arrested height and increased weight
• B. Thin, fragile skin and multiple bruises
• C. Hyperpigmentation and hypotension
• D. Blurred vision and enuresis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperpigmentation and hypotension. These findings are classic signs of Addison disease, caused by adrenal insufficiency. Hyperpigmentation results from increased ACTH stimulating melanin production, and hypotension occurs due to mineralocorticoid deficiency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Arrested height and increased weight are not typical of Addison disease. Thin, fragile skin and multiple bruises are seen in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, not Addison disease. Blurred vision and enuresis are not characteristic symptoms of Addison disease.

2. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?

• A. Shortened prothrombin time
• B. Increased fibrinogen level
• C. Positive fibrin split products
• D. Increased platelets

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positive fibrin split products indicate disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a condition characterized by the widespread formation of blood clots throughout the body. In DIC, clotting factors are consumed, leading to increased fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster blood clotting, which is not consistent with the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) is also not a characteristic finding in DIC, as fibrinogen levels may be decreased due to consumption in the formation of clots. Increased platelets (Choice D) are not typically observed in DIC; instead, thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) is more common due to their consumption in clot formation.

3. A nurse on the pediatric unit is observing the developmental skills of several 2-year-old children in the playroom. Which child should the nurse continue to evaluate?

• A. Cannot stand on one foot
• B. Builds a tower of 7 blocks
• C. Uses echolalia when speaking
• D. Colors outside the lines of a picture

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Using echolalia, which is the repetition of words or phrases, is not typical for a 2-year-old child and may indicate the need for further evaluation. Choices A, B, and D are all within the expected developmental skills for a 2-year-old. While most 2-year-olds may not be able to stand on one foot, it is not a cause for concern at this age. Building a tower of 7 blocks and coloring outside the lines of a picture are both appropriate for a 2-year-old's developmental skills.

4. What should be included in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a tonsillectomy?

• A. Explaining the procedure in detail
• B. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
• C. Discussing the importance of hydration
• D. Using play therapy to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging deep breathing exercises is important preoperative teaching for a child scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Deep breathing exercises can help the child relax and reduce anxiety, which is beneficial before the procedure. Explaining the procedure in detail might be overwhelming for a 4-year-old, whereas encouraging deep breathing exercises can be more beneficial in promoting relaxation and preparing the child. Discussing the importance of hydration is crucial for postoperative care but may not be the priority for preoperative teaching. Using play therapy can help prepare the child, but encouraging deep breathing exercises is more directly related to relaxation and preparation for the procedure.

5. Surgical repair for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is done to prevent the complication of

• A. pulmonary infection
• B. right-to-left shunt of blood
• C. decreased workload on left side of the heart
• D. increased pulmonary vascular congestion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: increased pulmonary vascular congestion. Surgical repair of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) aims to prevent the complications associated with increased pulmonary vascular congestion, such as pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Choice A, pulmonary infection, is not a direct complication of PDA but can occur secondary to other conditions. Choice B, right-to-left shunt of blood, is a feature of some congenital heart defects but not a direct complication of PDA. Choice C, decreased workload on the left side of the heart, is not a primary reason for surgical repair of PDA, as the main concern is the impact on pulmonary circulation.

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