Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a boy with probable intussusception. He had diarrhea before admission, but while waiting for the administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, he passes a normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?

• A. notify the practitioner
• B. measure abdominal girth
• C. auscultate for bowel sounds
• D. take vital signs, including blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage of a normal brown stool in a child with intussusception could indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. This change in the patient's condition is significant, requiring prompt notification of the practitioner for further evaluation and management. While measuring abdominal girth (Choice B) is important for assessing abdominal distention, it is not the priority when a potential spontaneous reduction may have occurred. Auscultating for bowel sounds (Choice C) and taking vital signs, including blood pressure (Choice D), are routine nursing assessments but do not address the immediate need to inform the practitioner of a possible change in the patient's condition that necessitates urgent attention.

2. The nurse has developed a plan of care for a 6-year-old with muscular dystrophy. He was recently injured when he fell out of bed at home. Which intervention would the nurse suggest to prevent further injury?

• A. Recommend raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night.
• B. Suggest having a caregiver present continuously to prevent falls from bed.
• C. Encourage the use of a loose restraint when he is in bed.
• D. Recommend raising the bed's side rails when a caregiver is not present.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a child with muscular dystrophy who fell out of bed, it is important to prevent further injuries. Using bed side rails when a caregiver is not present can help provide a safety measure and prevent falls. While continuous caregiver presence (choice B) may be ideal, it may not always be feasible. Recommending raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night (choice A) may limit the child's mobility unnecessarily. Encouraging the use of a loose restraint (choice C) can be dangerous and may increase the risk of injury in case of a fall.

3. A healthcare professional plans to discuss childhood nutrition with a group of parents whose children have Down syndrome in an attempt to minimize a common nutritional problem. What problem should be addressed?

• A. Rickets
• B. Obesity
• C. Anemia
• D. Rumination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Obesity. Children with Down syndrome are at a higher risk of obesity due to various factors such as lower metabolic rate, hormonal imbalances, and reduced physical activity levels. Addressing healthy eating habits early can help prevent obesity in these children. Choice A (Rickets) is incorrect because rickets is primarily associated with vitamin D deficiency and is not a common nutritional problem in children with Down syndrome. Choice C (Anemia) is incorrect as anemia may not be a common nutritional problem specific to children with Down syndrome. Choice D (Rumination) is incorrect as rumination is a behavioral disorder characterized by repeated regurgitation of food and is not a common nutritional problem associated with Down syndrome.

4. An infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is admitted to the pediatric unit. What does the nurse expect to find when palpating the infant’s abdomen?

• A. A distended colon
• B. Marked tenderness around the umbilicus
• C. An olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant
• D. Rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When palpating the abdomen of an infant with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), the nurse would expect to feel an olive-sized mass in the right upper quadrant. This finding is characteristic of HPS, where the hypertrophied pyloric muscle forms a palpable mass in the abdomen. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. A distended colon is not a typical finding in HPS, marked tenderness around the umbilicus is not specific to this condition, and rhythmic peristaltic waves in the lower abdomen are not associated with HPS.

5. When you attempt to assess a 22-year-old woman who has been sexually assaulted, and she orders you not to touch her, your most appropriate initial action should be to

• A. ask the patient to sign a release form
• B. ask a female EMT-B to attempt to assess the patient
• C. explain to the patient that she must be examined
• D. transport the patient without performing an assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of sexual assault, it is crucial to prioritize the patient's emotional and physical comfort. Asking a female EMT-B to attempt the assessment is the most appropriate initial action as it respects the patient's need for privacy and comfort. Asking the patient to sign a release form (Choice A) is not the immediate concern when the patient's well-being and comfort are at stake. Explaining to the patient that she must be examined (Choice C) disregards her autonomy and can worsen the trauma she is experiencing. Transporting the patient without performing an assessment (Choice D) neglects the necessary evaluation and potentially vital care that she may require.

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