Nursing Elites

1. The child has been admitted for a sickle cell crisis. What would the nurse do first to provide adequate pain management?

• A. Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) as ordered.
• B. Use guided imagery and therapeutic touch.
• C. Administer meperidine as ordered.
• D. Initiate pain assessment with a standardized pain scale.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Initiating pain assessment with a standardized pain scale is crucial in managing pain effectively during a sickle cell crisis. This step allows the nurse to objectively evaluate the child's pain level and tailor the pain management plan accordingly. Administering medication without a proper assessment could lead to inappropriate pain management. Using guided imagery and therapeutic touch may be beneficial as adjunct therapies but should not replace the initial pain assessment. Meperidine is not typically the first-line choice for pain management in sickle cell crisis due to its potential for neurotoxic metabolites.

2. An infant who has had diarrhea for 3 days is admitted in a lethargic state and is breathing rapidly. The parent states that the baby has been ingesting formula, although not as much as usual, and cannot understand the sudden change. What explanation should the nurse give the parent?

• A. Cellular metabolism is unstable in young children.
• B. The proportion of water in the body is less than in adults.
• C. Renal function is immature in children until they reach school age.
• D. The extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight is greater than in adults.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Infants have a higher extracellular fluid requirement per unit of body weight, making them more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances during illnesses such as diarrhea. Choice A is incorrect as cellular metabolism instability does not directly relate to the infant's condition described. Choice B is inaccurate as the proportion of water in the body is not the primary issue causing the infant's symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as renal function being immature does not explain the sudden change in the infant's health status; it is more related to fluid balance and dehydration.

3. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Provide humidified oxygen
• C. Keep the child NPO
• D. Position the child upright

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted to the hospital with epiglottitis is to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth). Epiglottitis is a serious condition that can lead to airway obstruction. Keeping the child NPO helps prevent further compromise of the airway and reduces the risk of aspiration. Administering antibiotics may be necessary but ensuring the airway is not compromised takes precedence. Providing humidified oxygen is important for respiratory support, but not the priority over maintaining a patent airway. Positioning the child upright can help with breathing and comfort, but it does not directly address the immediate risk of airway compromise associated with epiglottitis.

4. The nurse is assessing an infant and notes that the infant's urine has a mousy or musty odor. What would the nurse suspect?

• A. Maple syrup urine disease
• B. Tyrosinemia
• C. Phenylketonuria
• D. Trimethylaminuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is suggested by a mousy or musty odor of the urine, which is caused by the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Choice A, Maple syrup urine disease, is characterized by a sweet-smelling urine. Choice B, Tyrosinemia, typically presents with cabbage-like odor in the urine. Choice D, Trimethylaminuria, is associated with a fishy odor in the urine, breath, and sweat.

5. When a child with a diagnosis of asthma is prescribed a peak flow meter, what should the nurse teach the child and parents about using this device?

• A. Use the device before taking medication
• B. Use the device during asthma attacks
• C. Record the best of three attempts
• D. Use the device after eating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to record the best of three attempts when using a peak flow meter. This method provides a more accurate measure of peak expiratory flow. Choice A is incorrect because using the device before taking medication may not reflect the actual peak flow, as medication can affect lung function. Choice B is incorrect as using the device during asthma attacks may not be feasible or safe, as the focus during an attack should be on managing symptoms rather than measuring peak flow. Choice D is incorrect because using the device after eating may not provide an accurate measurement of peak flow, as digestion can affect lung function temporarily.

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