Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to admit a 10-year-old child with appendicitis. What clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Fever
• B. Vomiting
• C. Tachycardia
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! Typical signs of appendicitis include fever, vomiting, and tachycardia due to infection and inflammation. These clinical manifestations are commonly observed in patients with appendicitis. Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with appendicitis, so they are not expected findings in this situation. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.'

2. During examination of a toddler's extremities, the nurse notes that the child is bowlegged. The nurse should recognize that this finding is which?

• A. Abnormal and requires further investigation
• B. Abnormal unless it occurs in conjunction with knock-knee
• C. Normal if the condition is unilateral or asymmetric
• D. Normal because the lower back and leg muscles are not yet well developed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bowleggedness is normal in toddlers due to the development of lower back and leg muscles. It usually resolves as the child grows.

3. The child is admitted to the hospital unit newly diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse anticipate upon assessment?

• A. A white reflex
• B. Blue-tinged sclerae
• C. A red reflex
• D. Yellow-tinged sclerae

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A white reflex. The 'white reflex' or leukocoria is a common sign of retinoblastoma. It occurs when the light reflects off the tumor in the eye, giving the pupil a white appearance instead of the normal red reflex. Blue-tinged sclerae (choice B) and yellow-tinged sclerae (choice D) are not typical manifestations of retinoblastoma. A red reflex (choice C) is the normal reflection seen in the eye when light is shone on it and is not associated with retinoblastoma.

4. What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Constipation
• C. Appendicitis
• D. Irritable bowel syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.

5. The nurse is educating a new nurse on the identification of pain in children. What does the nurse teach about physiologic measurements in children’s pain assessment?

• A. Not useful as the only indicator for pain
• B. Best indicator of pain in children of all ages
• C. Most valuable when children also report having pain
• D. Essential to determine whether a child is telling the truth about pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic manifestations of pain may vary considerably, so they do not provide a consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In chronic pain, the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. Physiologic measurements are of limited value and must be viewed in the context of a pain rating scale, behavioral assessment, and parental report. When the child reports pain on an appropriate pain scale, the appropriate interventions should be used. Therefore, physiologic measurements are not considered a reliable standalone indicator for pain in children, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because physiologic measurements alone do not serve as the best indicator of pain. Choice C is incorrect as physiologic measurements are still limited even when children report pain. Choice D is incorrect as physiologic measurements are not primarily used to determine the truthfulness of a child's pain report.

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