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. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

3. Which actions by the nurse demonstrate clinical reasoning? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Considering alternative actions
• C. Using formal and informal thinking to gather data
• D. Giving deliberate thought to a patient's problem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clinical reasoning involves deliberate and thoughtful decision-making, considering alternatives, and using both formal and informal data gathering methods to provide optimum care.

4. The nurse is caring for an infant who had surgical repair of a tracheoesophageal fistula 24 hours ago. Gastrostomy feedings have not been started. What do nursing actions related to the gastrostomy tube include?

• A. Keep the tube clamped.
• B. Suction the tube as needed.
• C. Leave the tube open to gravity drainage.
• D. Secure the tube with tape.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Leaving the gastrostomy tube open to gravity drainage prevents the accumulation of air and fluids, reducing the risk of complications such as vomiting or aspiration in the immediate postoperative period. Keeping the tube clamped or suctioning it can lead to pressure buildup, increasing the risk of complications. Securing the tube with tape is important but not the primary action related to the gastrostomy tube in this case.

5. What is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Bilious vomiting
• C. Frequent spitting up
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Frequent spitting up is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants. It is caused by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to infants regurgitating milk or formula shortly after feeding. Projectile vomiting (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis rather than gastroesophageal reflux. Bilious vomiting (choice B) often indicates an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea (choice D) is not typically a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

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