Nursing Elites

1. When should the nurse instruct parents to administer a daily proton pump inhibitor to their child with gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. At bedtime
• B. With a meal
• C. Midmorning
• D. 30 minutes before breakfast

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or lansoprazole are most effective when given 30 minutes before breakfast. This timing allows the medication to inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid, providing better symptom control throughout the day. Administering the PPI at bedtime (choice A) may not be as effective as giving it before breakfast due to the timing of peak acid production during the day. Giving it with a meal (choice B) might affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Midmorning administration (choice C) is not the recommended time for optimal PPI efficacy.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears ill. There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Ask the parent when the neck was injured
• B. Refer for immediate medical evaluation
• C. Continue assessment to determine the cause of the neck pain
• D. Record head lag on the assessment record and continue the assessment of the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Opisthotonos with pain on flexion is a sign of possible meningitis or other serious neurological conditions, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

5. Which drug is usually the best choice for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a child in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Codeine sulfate (Codeine)
• B. Morphine (Roxanol)
• C. Methadone (Dolophine)
• D. Meperidine (Demerol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Morphine is the drug of choice for PCA in children because of its efficacy, safety profile, and rapid onset of action for pain management.

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