Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a child with a possible fracture, what would be the most reliable indicator for the nurse to identify?

• 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 refers to localized pain at a specific point, indicating a potential bone injury. Lack of spontaneous movement (Choice A) is non-specific and can be due to various reasons. Bruising (Choice C) may be present in fractures but is not as specific as point tenderness. Inability to bear weight (Choice D) can also be seen in fractures but may not always be present, making it less reliable compared to point tenderness.

2. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

3. What treatment should the nurse suggest to an adolescent with type 1 diabetes if an insulin reaction is experienced while at a basketball game?

• A. Call your parents immediately.
• B. Buy a soda and hamburger to eat.
• C. Administer insulin as soon as possible.
• D. Leave the arena and rest until the symptoms subside.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an adolescent with type 1 diabetes experiences an insulin reaction, it is essential to quickly raise their blood sugar levels. Buying a soda and a hamburger to eat is the best choice in this situation as it provides a fast-acting source of sugar to counteract hypoglycemia. Calling parents immediately may cause a delay in receiving appropriate treatment. Administering insulin would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the situation. Leaving the arena and resting would not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.

4. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

• A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
• B. Reflective of neurologic damage
• C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
• D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

5. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?

• A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
• B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
• C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
• D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is presenting with signs of respiratory distress, as evidenced by the increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities can help reduce the workload on the diaphragm and improve respiratory mechanics. This action can be beneficial in optimizing the infant's breathing before considering more invasive interventions. Option B, initiating positive pressure ventilations, should be considered if the infant's condition deteriorates further and not as the first step. Option C, placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow, is not indicated as the primary intervention for increased work of breathing. Option D, listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, may provide additional information but is not the most urgent action needed in this situation.

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