Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What is characteristic of a neonate’s vision?

• A. Pupils react to light
• B. Tear glands function
• C. Blink reflex is absent
• D. Ciliary muscles are mature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Pupils react to light.' Newborns' pupils do react to light, indicating that the visual pathway is functioning. However, a neonate's vision is still developing, and they can only focus on objects close to their face. Choice B is incorrect because tear glands are functional at birth. Choice C is incorrect because the blink reflex is present in neonates and helps protect their eyes. Choice D is incorrect as neonates' ciliary muscles are not fully developed.

3. A mother brings 6-month-old Eric to the clinic for a well-baby checkup. She comments, "I want to go back to work, but I don't want Eric to suffer because I'll have less time with him." Which is the nurse's most appropriate answer?

• A. "I'm sure he'll be fine if you get a good babysitter."
• B. "You will need to stay home until Eric starts school."
• C. "Let's talk about the childcare options that will be best for Eric."
• D. "You should go back to work so Eric will get used to being with others."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best approach is to discuss childcare options that would suit Eric's needs, allowing the mother to make an informed decision without guilt or pressure.

4. The mother of a child with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse why her child cannot avoid all those ‘shots’ and take pills like an uncle does. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The pills work with adult pancreases only.
• B. Your child needs insulin replaced, and the oral hypoglycemic only add to an existing supply of insulin.
• C. The drugs affect fat and protein metabolism, not sugar.
• D. Perhaps when your child is older the pancreas will produce its own insulin, and then your child can take oral hypoglycemic agents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Children with type 1 diabetes require insulin replacement because their pancreas produces little or no insulin. Oral hypoglycemics used in type 2 diabetes work by improving the effectiveness of insulin the body already makes, which is not sufficient in type 1 diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is not about the pancreas being adult or child-specific but rather the type of diabetes. Choice C is incorrect because it misstates the mechanism of action of the medications. Choice D is incorrect because it provides inaccurate information about the potential for the child's pancreas to produce insulin in the future, which is unlikely in type 1 diabetes.

5. A child diagnosed with aplastic anemia is admitted to the hospital. The parents ask the nurse what aplastic anemia is. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

• A. Aplastic anemia causes a proliferation of white blood cells.
• B. Aplastic anemia is characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells.
• C. Aplastic anemia is caused by the bone marrow producing inadequate cells.
• D. Aplastic anemia is a disorder that occurs after a viral illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to pancytopenia. This can result in fatigue, infections, and bleeding tendencies. It is not characterized by abnormal red blood cell shapes, but rather by a reduction in the production of blood cells. Therefore, the accurate response is that aplastic anemia is caused by the bone marrow producing inadequate cells. Choices A and B are incorrect as aplastic anemia does not cause a proliferation of white blood cells or involve abnormally shaped red blood cells. Choice D is incorrect as aplastic anemia is not typically a disorder that occurs after a viral illness.

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