Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is teaching a parent of a 6-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) before discharge. What instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed in the crib to a 90-degree angle while the infant is sleeping.
• B. Hold the infant in the prone position after a feeding.
• C. Discontinue breastfeeding so that a formula and rice cereal mixture can be used.
• D. Prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet) should be given 30 minutes before feedings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid, helping manage GER. Holding the infant in the prone position is not recommended due to the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding should not be discontinued unless advised by a physician. Elevating the head to 90 degrees is excessive.

2. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

3. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

4. What should preoperative care of a newborn with an anorectal malformation include?

• A. Frequent suctioning
• B. Gastrointestinal decompression
• C. Feedings with sterile water only
• D. Supine position with head elevated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preoperative care for a newborn with an anorectal malformation should include feedings with sterile water only. This approach is important to avoid complications before surgery. Gastrointestinal decompression is necessary to prevent abdominal distention and potential aspiration, making choice B incorrect. Frequent suctioning and placing the newborn in a supine position with the head elevated are not typically part of the preoperative care protocol for an anorectal malformation, thus choices A and D are incorrect.

5. The parent of a 2-week-old infant asks the nurse if fluoride supplements are necessary because the infant is exclusively breastfed. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. The infant needs to begin taking them now.
• B. Supplements are not needed if you drink fluoridated water.
• C. The infant may need to begin taking them at age 6 months.
• D. The infant can have infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water instead of supplements.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Breastfed infants may need fluoride supplements starting at 6 months if they are not receiving fluoride from other sources, such as drinking water.

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