Nursing Elites

1. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

2. At what point in the hospitalization of the pediatric patient should discharge planning and teaching begin?

• A. Post-operatively
• B. Right when the patient is being discharged with the parents and support members present
• C. On the morning that the patient is scheduled to go home
• D. On admission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Discharge planning should begin on admission to ensure that all necessary teaching and preparations are completed in a timely manner. Starting discharge planning early allows for a comprehensive assessment of the patient's needs, coordination with the healthcare team, and adequate time for patient and family education. Choice A, post-operatively, is too late in the process and may lead to rushed planning. Choice B, right at discharge, may not allow enough time for thorough preparation. Choice C, on the morning of discharge, also does not provide sufficient time for effective planning and education.

3. What factor predisposes an infant to fluid imbalances?

• A. Decreased surface area
• B. Lower metabolic rate
• C. Immature kidney functioning
• D. Decreased daily exchange of extracellular fluid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infants have immature kidneys that are less efficient at concentrating urine, making them more susceptible to fluid imbalances. Their higher surface area to volume ratio also contributes to greater insensible fluid losses.

4. Which condition is most commonly associated with a 'sunset sign' in infants?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Encephalitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'sunset sign,' characterized by downward-driven eyes, is most commonly associated with hydrocephalus. This condition causes increased intracranial pressure, leading to the eyes appearing to be forced downward. Meningitis (choice B) typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, but not the 'sunset sign.' Cerebral palsy (choice C) is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, not directly related to the 'sunset sign.' Encephalitis (choice D) is inflammation of the brain, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and confusion, but not the specific downward eye gaze seen in the 'sunset sign.'

5. A 14-year-old with chronic renal failure suddenly becomes non-compliant with the medication regimen. Which nursing intervention would most likely improve compliance?

• A. Give the child a computer-animated game that presents information on the management of chronic renal failure.
• B. Set up a meeting with some older teens who have chronic renal failure and have been managing their disease effectively.
• C. Arrange for a physician to sit down and talk to the child about the risks related to noncompliance with medications.
• D. Discuss with the child’s parents that privileges, such as a cell phone, can be taken away if compliance fails to improve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adolescents often seek guidance and support from their peers. Setting up a meeting with older teens who are effectively managing chronic renal failure can provide the 14-year-old with motivation, encouragement, and practical advice on how to handle their treatment regimen. This peer support can positively influence the non-compliant adolescent, making choice B the most likely intervention to improve compliance. Choices A and C may not address the peer influence aspect of adolescent behavior, while choice D focuses on punitive measures rather than addressing the underlying reasons for non-compliance.

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