Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for an adolescent who has just started dialysis. The child always seems angry, hostile, or depressed. The nurse should recognize that this is most likely related to what underlying cause?

• A. Physiologic manifestations of renal disease
• B. The fact that adolescents have few coping mechanisms
• C. Neurologic manifestations that occur with dialysis
• D. Resentment of the control and enforced dependence imposed by dialysis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Adolescents may feel anger and depression due to the loss of independence and control over their lives, which is imposed by the need for regular dialysis treatments. This reaction is common as they struggle with the restrictions placed on their social and personal lives.

2. What is the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease?

• A. Corticosteroids
• B. Intravenous immunoglobulin
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Antivirals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG is the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease, an acute vasculitis that mainly affects children under 5 years old. Early administration of IVIG is crucial as it helps reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms, which is the most serious complication of Kawasaki disease. Corticosteroids (Choice A) are not the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease and are not recommended due to potential adverse effects. Antibiotics (Choice C) are not indicated for the treatment of Kawasaki disease as it is not caused by a bacterial infection. Antivirals (Choice D) are also not part of the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease, as it is not caused by a viral infection.

3. A 12-year-old child had an appendectomy 18 hours ago. The nurse is monitoring the child for pain control. Which of the following tools is most appropriate for assessing the child’s pain?

• A. FLACC scale
• B. Numeric scale
• C. NIPS scale
• D. FACES scale

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Numeric scale is the most appropriate tool for assessing pain in older children, like a 12-year-old, as they can comprehend and use numbers to indicate their pain levels accurately. The FLACC scale is typically used for nonverbal or preverbal children. The NIPS scale is designed for neonates and infants. The FACES scale is more commonly used in younger children who may have difficulty expressing their pain in other ways.

4. What is a key distinguishing feature of bronchiolitis in infants?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Wheezing
• C. Stridor
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wheezing. Wheezing is a key distinguishing feature of bronchiolitis in infants, typically caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Bronchiolitis is characterized by inflammation and mucus buildup in the small airways of the lungs, leading to wheezing sounds during breathing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dry cough, stridor, and productive cough are not typical features of bronchiolitis in infants.

5. An infant with hydrocephalus is hospitalized for surgical placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Postoperative nursing care would include what?

• A. Monitor closely for signs of infection.
• B. Place the child with the operative side of the head up.
• C. Avoid pumping the shunt reservoir to maintain patency.
• D. Avoid maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Postoperative nursing care for an infant with hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement includes monitoring closely for signs of infection, as infection is the greatest hazard in the postoperative period. Signs of cerebrospinal fluid infection to watch for include elevated temperature, poor feeding, vomiting, decreased responsiveness, and seizure activity. The child should be placed with the operative side of the head up to reduce pressure on the valve. The shunt reservoir should not be pumped to maintain patency, as this can disrupt its function. Maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt is contraindicated as it can lead to increased intracranial pressure and compromise the shunt's effectiveness.

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