Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old adolescent who was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The adolescent’s mood appears stable, and the healthcare provider has recommended discharge. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge
• B. Provide education about medication adherence
• C. Encourage the adolescent to participate in group therapy
• D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with a mental health professional

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge. A safety plan is essential to assist the adolescent in managing future crises and decreasing the likelihood of another suicide attempt. It provides guidance on coping strategies and resources to help the adolescent stay safe in times of distress.

2. What intervention should the nurse implement first for a male toddler brought to the emergency center approximately three hours after swallowing tablets from his grandmother's bottle of digoxin (Lanoxin)?

• A. Administer activated charcoal
• B. Prepare gastric lavage
• C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
• D. Give IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering activated charcoal is the priority intervention as it binds with digoxin, preventing further absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. This helps reduce the amount of digoxin available for systemic circulation and minimizes its toxic effects. Gastric lavage is no longer recommended due to potential complications and lack of evidence of efficacy. Obtaining an electrocardiogram may help assess the effects of digoxin toxicity, but it is not the initial priority. IV digoxin immune fab (Digibind) is used in severe cases of digoxin toxicity but is not the first-line intervention.

3. The healthcare provider is evaluating the effects of thyroid therapy used to treat a 5-month-old with hypothyroidism. Which behavior indicates that the treatment has been effective?

• A. Laughs readily, turns from back to side.
• B. Has strong Moro and tonic neck reflexes.
• C. Keeps fists clenched, opens hands when grasping an object.
• D. Can lift head but not chest when lying on abdomen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In infants, laughing readily and turning from back to side are developmental milestones that indicate effective thyroid therapy and normal development. These actions demonstrate improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall growth, which are key indicators of successful treatment for hypothyroidism in infants. Choices B, C, and D describe behaviors that are not specific indicators of thyroid therapy effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism in infants.

4. A mother brings her 3-week-old infant to the clinic because the baby vomits after eating and always seems hungry. Further assessment indicates that the infant's vomiting is projectile, and the child seems listless. Which additional assessment finding indicates the possibility of a life-threatening complication?

• A. Irregular palpable pulse
• B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• C. Underweight for age
• D. Crying without tears

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crying without tears is a sign of severe dehydration, which is a potentially life-threatening complication in infants with projectile vomiting. Dehydration can rapidly progress in infants, leading to serious consequences if not promptly addressed. The combination of projectile vomiting, listlessness, and absence of tears when crying should raise concerns about severe dehydration and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further complications.

5. What is the most important information for the PN to reinforce with the parents when caring for a child diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever?

• A. Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics.
• B. Ensure the child gets plenty of physical exercise.
• C. Keep the child on a low-sodium diet.
• D. Administer prescribed pain medications as needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial in the management of acute rheumatic fever as it helps prevent recurrence and complications. Antibiotics are essential in eradicating the underlying infection that triggers the autoimmune response leading to rheumatic fever. Reinforcing the importance of completing the prescribed antibiotic regimen is vital to ensure the child's recovery and prevent further health issues. Choices B, C, and D are not as critical as completing the antibiotic treatment. While physical exercise, a low-sodium diet, and pain management are important aspects of overall health, they are not the primary focus when managing acute rheumatic fever.

Similar Questions