Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a child with hypernatremia. The nurse evaluates the child for which signs and symptoms of hypernatremia? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Lethargy
• C. Oliguria
• D. Intense thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypernatremia typically presents with lethargy, oliguria, and intense thirst due to the body's attempt to conserve water. Apathy can also occur, but lethargy and thirst are more consistent indicators.

2. A 3-year-old child was adopted immediately after birth. The parents have just asked the nurse how they should tell the child that she is adopted. Which guideline concerning adoption should the nurse use in planning a response?

• A. It is best to wait until the child asks about it.
• B. The best time to tell the child is between the ages of 7 and 10 years.
• C. It is not necessary to tell a child who was adopted so young.
• D. Telling the child is an important aspect of their parental responsibilities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important to tell children about their adoption early, in an age-appropriate manner, as part of building trust and openness in the family relationship.

3. A child with pyloric stenosis is having excessive vomiting. The nurse should assess for what potential complication?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hyperchloremia
• C. Metabolic acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Excessive vomiting in pyloric stenosis leads to the loss of stomach acid (hydrochloric acid), resulting in metabolic alkalosis, not hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, or metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a higher pH level in the blood due to the loss of acid and a relative increase in bicarbonate. Hyperkalemia is an elevated level of potassium in the blood and is not directly related to excessive vomiting in pyloric stenosis. Hyperchloremia is an excess of chloride in the blood, which is not typically associated with this condition. Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by a lower pH level in the blood, caused by an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate, which is not the typical complication seen in pyloric stenosis with excessive vomiting.

4. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

5. Why is knowledge of developmental theories useful for the nurse?

• A. Allows the nurse to know exactly what to do when caring for pediatric patients
• B. Is predictable and aids in controlling the child’s development
• C. Is a set of facts that each child follows in a prescribed method
• D. Provides a framework to guide the nurse in caring for the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Understanding developmental theories helps nurses anticipate and plan appropriate care based on the child’s developmental stage. Choice A is incorrect because developmental theories provide a framework but do not dictate exact actions. Choice B is incorrect as developmental processes are not entirely predictable and are not meant to control a child’s development. Choice C is incorrect as developmental theories are not a strict set of facts that all children follow in a prescribed manner, but rather guidelines for understanding and supporting a child's growth and development.

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