Nursing Elites

1. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
• B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
• C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
• D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.

2. The healthcare professional is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the healthcare professional this child may have a genetic disorder?

• A. Inquiry reveals the child had feeding problems.
• B. The child weighs 40 lb (18.2 kg) and is 40 in (101.6 cm) in height.
• C. The child has low-set ears with lobe creases.
• D. The child can hop on one foot but cannot skip.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is known to be a common sign in various syndromes like Down syndrome. Choices A, B, and D are not directly linked to genetic disorders. Feeding problems and specific weight/height measurements are more general indicators of growth and development, while the ability to hop on one foot but not skip is a developmental milestone assessment that does not specifically point towards a genetic disorder.

3. A parent tearfully tells a nurse, 'They think our child is developmentally delayed. We are thinking about investigating a preschool program for cognitively impaired children.' What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

• A. Praise the parent for the decision and encourage the plan.
• B. Ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays.
• C. Advise the parent to have the healthcare provider help choose an appropriate program.
• D. Explain that this may be a premature action and the developmental delays could disappear.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to ask for more specific information related to the developmental delays. By seeking additional details, the nurse can better understand the situation, offer appropriate support, and provide guidance tailored to the child's specific needs. Praising the parent or encouraging the plan without understanding the full context may not be beneficial. Advising the parent to have the healthcare provider help choose a program assumes the parent has not already involved the healthcare provider, which may not be the case. Explaining that the developmental delays could disappear is not appropriate as it may give false hope or minimize the parent's concerns.

4. At 7 AM, a nurse receives the information that an adolescent with diabetes has a 6:30 AM fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action at this time?

• A. Encourage the adolescent to start exercising.
• B. Ask the adolescent to obtain an immediate glucometer reading.
• C. Inform the adolescent that a complex carbohydrate such as cheese should be eaten.
• D. Tell the adolescent that the prescribed dose of rapid acting insulin should be administered.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rapid acting insulin will help lower the elevated blood glucose level quickly.

5. A home care nurse is visiting a family for the first time. The 4-week-old infant had surgery for exstrophy of the bladder and creation of an ileal conduit soon after birth. When the nurse arrives, the mother appears tired, and the baby is crying. After an introduction, which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

• A. “Tell me about your daily routine.”
• B. “You look tired. Is everything all right?”
• C. “When was the last time the baby had a bottle?”
• D. “Oh, it looks like you two are having a bad day.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate statement by the nurse in this scenario is to inquire about the family's daily routine. This question allows the nurse to gather information about the family dynamics, the care routine for the infant post-surgery, feeding schedules, and potential stressors. It opens the conversation in a non-intrusive manner and helps the nurse assess the family's situation to provide appropriate support. Choices B, C, and D do not address the situation effectively. Asking about the daily routine is crucial for the nurse to understand the family's needs and offer targeted assistance.

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