Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As part of the plan of care, the nurse focuses on maintaining his cardiopulmonary function. Which intervention would the nurse implement to best promote maximum chest expansion?

• A. Deep-breathing exercises
• B. Upright positioning
• C. Coughing
• D. Chest percussion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Upright positioning is the optimal intervention to promote maximum chest expansion in a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By placing the child in an upright position, gravity can assist in expanding the chest cavity, facilitating better lung expansion and improving breathing efficiency. Deep-breathing exercises may be beneficial but are not as effective in maximizing chest expansion as upright positioning. Coughing and chest percussion focus more on airway clearance and are not directly aimed at promoting chest expansion.

2. During postoperative care for a child who has had a tonsillectomy, what is an important nursing intervention?

• A. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
• B. Encouraging the child to eat
• C. Administering antibiotics
• D. Applying ice to the throat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering antibiotics is crucial post-tonsillectomy to prevent infection, as the surgical site is susceptible to bacterial growth. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial for lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications. However, administering antibiotics takes precedence as it directly addresses the risk of infection. Encouraging the child to eat may not be appropriate immediately post-tonsillectomy due to the risk of throat irritation and potential discomfort. Applying ice to the throat is typically not recommended after a tonsillectomy, as it may constrict blood vessels and hinder the healing process.

3. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Encourage a high-protein diet
• B. Avoid foods high in salt
• C. Encourage a low-sodium diet
• D. Encourage a low-protein diet

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a child with nephrotic syndrome, it is crucial to avoid foods high in salt to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention and exacerbate edema, which are common issues in nephrotic syndrome. Encouraging a high-protein diet (Choice A) may put additional strain on the kidneys and worsen the condition. While protein restriction is sometimes needed, it is not the primary dietary concern in nephrotic syndrome. Similarly, a low-protein diet (Choice D) is not typically recommended as it may lead to malnutrition in children. Although a low-sodium diet (Choice C) may sound similar to avoiding foods high in salt, the emphasis should be on reducing salt intake specifically, rather than a generalized low-sodium approach.

4. When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, what nursing care should be included?

• A. Elevating the head but giving nothing by mouth
• B. Elevating the head for feedings
• C. Feeding glucose water only
• D. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, elevating the head but giving nothing by mouth is crucial to prevent aspiration. Placing the neonate in a semi-upright position helps reduce the risk of reflux and aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs. Elevating the head for feedings (Choice B) would still pose a risk of aspiration as the neonate may aspirate during feeding. Feeding glucose water only (Choice C) is not appropriate and does not address the risk of aspiration associated with a tracheoesophageal fistula. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic (Choice D) is incorrect because suctioning may be necessary for maintaining airway patency, regardless of cyanosis, in a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula.

5. A child with sickle cell anemia develops severe chest pain, fever, a cough, and dyspnea. The nurse's first action is to

• A. administer 100% oxygen to relieve hypoxia
• B. administer pain medication to relieve symptoms
• C. notify the practitioner because chest syndrome is suspected
• D. notify the practitioner because the child may be having a stroke

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing severe chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea, the priority action is to suspect acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening complication. The nurse's first action should be to notify the practitioner for immediate evaluation and intervention. Administering 100% oxygen (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the initial priority. Administering pain medication (Choice B) should not precede notifying the practitioner, as addressing the underlying cause is crucial. The symptoms described are more indicative of acute chest syndrome than a stroke, so notifying the practitioner for chest syndrome (Choice C) takes precedence over suspecting a stroke (Choice D).

Similar Questions