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. The nurse is performing an otoscopic examination on a child. Which are normal findings the nurse should expect? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. A well-defined light reflex
• C. A small, round, concave spot near the center of the drum
• D. The tympanic membrane is a nontransparent grayish color

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A well-defined light reflex, a small concave spot, and a grayish, nontransparent tympanic membrane are normal findings during an otoscopic examination in a child.

3. A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation. The mother asks the nurse for information on nutrition and if formula would be better since the baby is premature. What is the foundation for the response to the mother by the nurse?

• A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition.
• B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients when the infant is preterm.
• C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred over other types of nutrition.
• D. Commercial infant formulas have not been designed to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Human milk is the preferred food for infants, including preterm infants. It contains essential ingredients necessary for the infant's growth and development. The mother should pump her breasts to provide milk for the infant if the child is receiving enteral feedings. Once the infant can coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing, breastfeeding directly is encouraged. Studies have shown that preterm infants fed fortified human milk have better outcomes compared to those fed commercial infant formulas. Commercial infant formulas may not fully meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, leading to potential longer hospital stays. Therefore, human milk is the best choice for feeding premature infants.

4. The nurse is testing an infant's visual acuity. By which age should the infant be able to fix on and follow a target?

• A. 1 month
• B. 1 to 2 months
• C. 3 to 4 months
• D. 6 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By 3 to 4 months of age, an infant should be able to fix on and follow a target, indicating proper visual development.

5. At which age does an infant start to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as his or her own hand?

• A. 1 month
• B. 2 months
• C. 3 months
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By 3 months, infants begin to recognize familiar faces and objects, such as their own hands. This marks the early stages of visual recognition and cognitive development.

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