Nursing Elites

1. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.

2. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

3. When explaining exercise in type 1 diabetes to the parents of a newly diagnosed child, what should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Exercise will increase blood glucose levels
• B. Exercise should be restricted
• C. Extra snacks are needed before exercise
• D. Extra insulin is required during exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In children with type 1 diabetes, it is essential to emphasize the need for extra snacks before exercise to prevent hypoglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because exercise typically lowers blood glucose levels, not increases them. Choice B is inappropriate as exercise is beneficial but needs to be managed carefully. Choice D is inaccurate as extra insulin during exercise can lead to hypoglycemia.

4. The nurse is caring for an infant with candidal diaper rash. Which topical agent would the nurse expect the healthcare provider to order?

• A. Corticosteroids.
• B. Antifungals.
• C. Antibiotics.
• D. Retinoids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Antifungals. Candidal diaper rash is caused by a yeast infection and is best treated with antifungal agents. Corticosteroids (choice A) may worsen fungal infections by suppressing the immune response. Antibiotics (choice C) are used to treat bacterial infections, not fungal infections like candidal diaper rash. Retinoids (choice D) are not typically used to treat candidal diaper rash in infants; they are more commonly used for dermatological conditions like acne.

5. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and initiate oxygen therapy. En route to the hospital, you should be most alert for:

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, seizures are a significant concern. Febrile seizures can occur in children with high fevers and may lead to further complications. It is crucial to monitor for seizures and be prepared to manage them promptly. Vomiting, combativeness, and respiratory distress are also important considerations in pediatric patients; however, given the clinical presentation described, seizures take priority as they are a common complication in this scenario.

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