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 component should be included in the nutritional management of a child with Crohn's disease?

• A. High fiber
• B. Increased protein
• C. Reduced calories
• D. Herbal supplements

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased protein. Children with Crohn's disease require a diet high in protein to support growth and tissue repair. High fiber should be avoided as it can exacerbate symptoms of Crohn's disease. Reducing calories can lead to malnutrition, which is detrimental in this condition. Herbal supplements should be used cautiously and only under medical advice as they may interact with medications or worsen symptoms.

3. A teen with asthma asks the nurse why it is hard to breathe during an asthma attack. The nurse explains that exposure to a “trigger” results in which of these manifestations?

• A. Bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production
• B. Air trapping and hypo-inflation of the alveoli
• C. Air trapping and decreased blood flow to the upper airway
• D. Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and excess mucus production

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asthma triggers cause bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production, leading to difficulty breathing. This combination of manifestations results in narrowing of the airways, making it hard for the individual to breathe effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because during an asthma attack, bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production do not occur. Instead, the airways constrict, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus, contributing to the breathing difficulties experienced by individuals with asthma.

4. What statement is descriptive of renal transplantation in children?

• A. It is an acceptable means of treatment after age 10 years.
• B. Children can receive kidneys only from other children.
• C. It is the preferred means of renal replacement therapy in children.
• D. The decision for transplantation is difficult because a relatively normal lifestyle is not possible.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Renal transplantation is the preferred method of treatment for children with end-stage renal disease, as it offers the best chance for a normal lifestyle compared to long-term dialysis. Transplantation can be performed at any age, and kidneys can come from adult donors as well.

5. An appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child should be to mix them with which?

• A. Bottle of formula or milk
• B. Any food the child is going to eat
• C. One teaspoon of something sweet-tasting such as jam
• D. Carbonated beverage, which is then poured over crushed ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mixing bitter medication with a small amount of something sweet, like jam, can mask the taste effectively without diluting the medication too much. Mixing with milk or formula is not recommended as the child may refuse future feedings, and carbonated beverages are not suitable for infants.

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