Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 1-month-old infant diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. Which treatment measure should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Barium Enema
• B. Surgical removal of the affected section of bowel
• C. High-fiber diet
• D. Permanent colostomy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition where a portion of the large intestine lacks nerve cells, leading to difficulties in passing stool. The definitive treatment for this condition is the surgical removal of the affected section of the bowel. Barium enema (Choice A) may be used for diagnosis but is not a treatment. A high-fiber diet (Choice C) is not effective in managing Hirschsprung's disease. A permanent colostomy (Choice D) is not the initial treatment for this condition in infants.

2. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypomagnesemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia is the correct answer because it is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less common in diarrhea as sodium concentration is usually diluted by the fluid loss. Hypercalcemia (Choice C) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) can occur but is not as common as hypokalemia in this scenario.

3. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

4. The caregiver asks why the 6-month-old infant needs to have solid foods when breast milk is such a good source of nutrition. What would be the best response by the nurse?

• A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately.
• B. The extrusion reflex must be developed and feeding solid foods will help the infant to develop this reflex.
• C. Breastfeeding will become painful when the infant gets more teeth, so the infant needs to eat solid foods.
• D. By this age the infant becomes interested in trying new skills.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately. Choice B is incorrect because the extrusion reflex is related to the tongue-thrust reflex, not the nutritional needs of the infant. Choice C is incorrect as breastfeeding does not become painful when the infant gets more teeth, and it is not a reason for introducing solid foods. Choice D is incorrect as the infant's interest in trying new skills is not a primary reason for introducing solid foods at this age.

5. An effective means of establishing rapport with the hospitalized pre-schooler is through:

• A. Lengthy discussion
• B. Explanation with drawings and models
• C. Play
• D. Silence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Play is an effective way to communicate and build rapport with young children, especially pre-schoolers. It helps them feel comfortable, express themselves, and establish a connection with the caregiver. Lengthy discussions may not be suitable for their age and attention span, while explanation with drawings and models can enhance communication but may not engage them as effectively as play. Silence, on the other hand, may create a sense of unease or lack of interaction for pre-schoolers.

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