Nursing Elites

1. A 10-year-old child is being discharged after being admitted for status asthmaticus. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Use a peak flow meter daily to monitor asthma control
• B. Avoid exposure to known allergens
• C. Continue taking asthma medications as prescribed
• D. Seek emergency care if symptoms worsen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using a peak flow meter daily is crucial as it helps monitor asthma control by measuring how well the child's lungs are functioning. This monitoring can indicate when intervention is needed before symptoms worsen or become severe, allowing for timely management of asthma exacerbations.

2. A child with cystic fibrosis is being discharged home with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. What information should the practical nurse reinforce with the parents?

• A. Give the enzymes after meals.
• B. Mix the enzymes with hot food or drinks.
• C. Enzymes should be taken before or with meals.
• D. Avoid giving enzymes with any food or drink.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Enzymes should be taken before or with meals.' Pancreatic enzymes should be taken before or with meals to assist with digestion in children with cystic fibrosis. This timing helps maximize the effectiveness of the enzymes in breaking down nutrients from food. Giving the enzymes after meals (choice A) may not provide the necessary support for digestion. Mixing the enzymes with hot food or drinks (choice B) is not recommended as it may affect the enzymes' efficacy. Avoiding giving enzymes with any food or drink (choice D) is incorrect as enzymes need to be taken in conjunction with meals to aid in digestion.

3. A mother brings her 3-month-old infant to the clinic because the baby does not sleep through the night. Which finding is most significant in planning care for this family?

• A. The mother is a single parent and lives with her parents
• B. The mother states the baby is irritable during feedings
• C. The infant’s formula has been changed twice
• D. The diaper area shows severe skin breakdown

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe skin breakdown in the diaper area is a significant finding indicating a potential health issue that needs immediate attention. It may be a sign of a skin condition, such as a diaper rash, which can cause discomfort and pain for the infant. Addressing this concern promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the baby's well-being. The other choices may also be important in assessing the overall situation of the family, but in terms of immediate care for the infant, the severe skin breakdown takes priority.

4. What advice should be provided by the practical nurse to the mother of a school-age child with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration who is occasionally vomiting despite being given an oral rehydration solution (ORS)?

• A. Continue to give ORS frequently in small amounts.
• B. Alternate between ORS and carbonated beverages.
• C. Take the child to the hospital for intravenous fluids.
• D. Place the child NPO for the next eight to nine hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The practical nurse should advise the mother to continue providing the oral rehydration solution (ORS) frequently in small amounts. It is essential to continue ORS administration to prevent dehydration, even if the child is occasionally vomiting. Small, frequent amounts of ORS help maintain hydration levels in children with acute diarrhea and mild dehydration.

5. The parents of a 9-month-old infant are being educated about preventing iron deficiency anemia. Which statement by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will start giving my baby whole cow’s milk at 12 months
• B. I will give my baby iron-fortified cereal
• C. I will give my baby fruit juice between meals
• D. I will give my baby water with meals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I will give my baby iron-fortified cereal.' Iron-fortified cereal is an excellent source of iron for infants, aiding in the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Choice A is incorrect as whole cow’s milk should not be introduced until the child is at least 12 months old to prevent iron deficiency. Choice C is incorrect because giving fruit juice between meals can interfere with iron absorption. Choice D is incorrect as giving water with meals can decrease nutrient intake. Therefore, the best choice to prevent iron deficiency anemia in a 9-month-old infant is to give them iron-fortified cereal.

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