Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing a child for possible alopecia from chemotherapy. What information should the nurse give regarding alopecia?

• A. Hair usually regrows in two years.
• B. When hair regrows, it may have a slightly different color or texture.
• C. Expose your head to sunlight to minimize alopecia.
• D. Wearing hats and scarves are preferred to wearing a wig.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Hair loss from chemotherapy is usually temporary, and when it regrows, it may have a different color or texture. Sun exposure should be minimized, as the scalp may be more sensitive. Wearing hats and scarves can provide comfort and protection, but there is no preference over wearing a wig. Choice A is incorrect because hair regrowth after chemotherapy varies from person to person and usually occurs sooner than two years. Choice C is incorrect as sun exposure should be minimized to protect the sensitive scalp. Choice D is incorrect as the preference between wearing hats, scarves, or a wig is subjective and depends on the individual's comfort and preferences.

2. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Platelets
• D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.

3. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

4. The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler-age client. Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse prior to this procedure?

• A. "We will give you your shot when your mommy comes back."
• B. "I will wipe your skin with a magic wipe and then hold the needle like this and say one, two, three, go and give you your shot. Are you ready?"
• C. "It is all right to cry. After we are done, you can go to the box and pick out your favorite sticker."
• D. "This is a magic sword that will give you your medicine and make you all better."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the child's feelings, provides clear instructions, and offers comfort and rewards to help the child cope with the procedure. Choice A is not appropriate as it may create anxiety about the injection. Choice B uses the term 'magic,' which may confuse the child and lead to fear. Choice D introduces a fantasy element that may not be beneficial in preparing the child for the injection.

5. What findings on physical assessment of a neonate would indicate the need for further evaluation?

• A. Nystagmus
• B. Epstein pearls
• C. Low-set ears
• D. Positive Babinski reflex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears in a neonate suggest major abnormalities and should prompt further evaluation. The correct alignment of the top of the pinnae of the ear with the outer canthus of the eye is crucial. Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, is common in newborns and often resolves on its own. Epstein pearls, small cysts on the hard palate, are insignificant and disappear over time. A positive Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to 1 year of age. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears is the most concerning finding that requires immediate attention.

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