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. What is the nurse’s priority intervention when preparing for admission of a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis?

• A. Pad the side rails of the crib.
• B. Arrange for a quiet, cool room.
• C. Place a tracheotomy set at the bedside.
• D. Obtain a recliner so that a parent can stay.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to place a tracheotomy set at the bedside. Acute laryngotracheobronchitis can cause airway obstruction, which may require an emergency tracheotomy. Having the tracheotomy set readily available ensures quick access in case of respiratory distress. Padding the side rails of the crib, arranging for a quiet, cool room, and obtaining a recliner for a parent are important aspects of care but are not the priority when managing a potentially life-threatening airway emergency.

3. A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected appendicitis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare professional likely to observe?

• A. Right lower quadrant pain
• B. Left lower quadrant pain
• C. Rebound tenderness
• D. Epigastric pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Right lower quadrant pain is a characteristic clinical manifestation of appendicitis. The appendix is typically located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, so pain in this area is a common symptom. Left lower quadrant pain (Choice B) is less likely in cases of appendicitis. Rebound tenderness (Choice C) is a sign of peritonitis, not specific to appendicitis. Epigastric pain (Choice D) is more indicative of upper gastrointestinal issues rather than appendicitis.

4. Which observation of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis?

• A. abdominal rigidity
• B. substernal retraction
• C. palpable olive-like mass
• D. marked distention of the lower abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In pyloric stenosis, a palpable olive-like mass in the abdomen is a classic finding. This mass is due to the hypertrophied pyloric muscle. Abdominal rigidity (choice A) is associated with conditions like peritonitis, substernal retraction (choice B) is typically seen in respiratory distress, and marked distention of the lower abdomen (choice D) is more characteristic of conditions like intestinal obstruction rather than pyloric stenosis.

5. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of epiglottitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Provide humidified oxygen
• C. Keep the child NPO
• D. Position the child upright

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 4-year-old child admitted with epiglottitis is to keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth). This is crucial to prevent further airway compromise due to the inflamed epiglottis. Administering antibiotics may be necessary but is not the priority at this moment. Providing humidified oxygen can support oxygenation but does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction. Positioning the child upright may help with breathing but does not address the risk of aspiration. Keeping the child NPO is essential to maintain a patent airway and prevent complications associated with epiglottitis.

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