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. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

5. The nurse is teaching parents about high-fiber foods that can prevent constipation. What foods should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Oranges
• B. All are correct
• C. Lima beans
• D. Baked beans

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: All are correct. High-fiber foods like oranges, lima beans, baked beans, and raisin bran cereal are effective in preventing constipation. Oranges are a good source of fiber, lima beans and baked beans are high in fiber content, and raisin bran cereal is also rich in fiber. Bananas, which are not listed but could be considered by some as a high-fiber food, are actually low in fiber and may not be as effective in preventing constipation. Therefore, the nurse should include all the options provided in the teaching to help prevent constipation effectively.

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