Nursing Elites

1. The nurse understands that blocks to therapeutic communication include what? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Socializing
• B. All are applicable
• C. Using clichés
• D. Defending a situation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Socializing, using clichés, and defending a situation are all barriers to effective therapeutic communication. Silence is a useful tool in therapeutic communication.

2. Which action should the nurse implement when taking an axillary temperature?

• A. Take the temperature through one layer of clothing
• B. Add a degree to the result when recording
• C. Place the tip of the thermometer under the arm in the center of the axilla
• D. Hold the child's arm away from the body while taking the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct technique involves placing the thermometer tip in the center of the axilla to ensure an accurate reading, with the arm held close to the body.

3. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

4. A 5-year-old has patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after abdominal surgery. What information does the nurse include in teaching the parents about the PCA?

• A. The child may not be pain-free.
• B. The parents or nurse may push the button for a bolus if needed.
• C. The pump allows for a continuous basal rate to deliver a constant amount of medication for pain control.
• D. Monitoring is required every 1 to 2 hours to assess patient response.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the PCA pump can be programmed to deliver a continuous basal rate of pain medication to maintain pain control. While the goal of PCA is effective pain relief, it does not guarantee a pain-free state. In the case of a 5-year-old child, the parents or nurse can administer boluses if necessary since the child may not fully comprehend using the PCA button. Monitoring every 1 to 2 hours for patient response is adequate and there is no need for monitoring every 15 minutes, as stated in choice D, unless specific circumstances dictate more frequent monitoring.

5. What is the recommended position for a child with epiglottitis to ease breathing?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Tripod
• D. Semi-Fowler’s

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Tripod.' In children with epiglottitis, the tripod position is recommended to help open the airway and ease breathing. This position involves the child sitting upright, leaning forward, and supporting themselves with their hands on their knees or another surface. This posture helps improve air entry into the lungs by maximizing the space for breathing. Choices A (Supine), B (Prone), and D (Semi-Fowler’s) are incorrect. Placing a child with epiglottitis in the supine position may further obstruct the airway, while the prone position and semi-Fowler’s position do not facilitate optimal air exchange in these cases.

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