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. A child with a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being discharged. What dietary instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid spicy foods
• B. Avoid gluten
• C. Avoid high-fat foods
• D. Avoid dairy products

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct dietary instruction for a child with GERD is to avoid high-fat foods. High-fat foods can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased reflux. While avoiding gluten may be necessary for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it is not a standard recommendation for GERD. Avoiding spicy foods and dairy products may help some individuals with GERD, but the most crucial dietary advice is to avoid high-fat foods.

3. The caregiver is teaching the mother of a toddler about burn prevention. Which response by the mother indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will leave fireworks displays to the professionals.
• B. I will set our water heater at 130 degrees.
• C. All sleepwear should be flame retardant.
• D. The handles of pots on the stove should face inward.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Setting the water heater at 130 degrees is incorrect because water heaters should be set to no higher than 120 degrees to prevent scald burns. Choice A is correct as leaving fireworks displays to professionals reduces the risk of burns. Choice C is also correct as flame-retardant sleepwear reduces the risk of burn injuries. Choice D is correct as keeping pot handles facing inward prevents accidental spills and burns.

4. A group of students is reviewing information about the endocrine system in infants and children. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they state:

• A. Endocrine glands begin developing in the first trimester of gestation.
• B. At birth, the endocrine glands are not fully functional.
• C. Infants may have difficulty balancing glucose and electrolytes.
• D. A child’s endocrine system plays a vital role in growth and development.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is that infants may have difficulty balancing glucose and electrolytes because their endocrine systems are immature. Newborns have developing endocrine glands that are not yet fully functional, leading to challenges in maintaining glucose and electrolyte balance. Choice A is incorrect as endocrine glands start developing in the first trimester, not the third trimester. Choice B is incorrect as endocrine glands are not fully functional at birth. Choice D is incorrect because while a child’s endocrine system indeed plays a vital role in growth and development, the specific focus of the question is on the challenges infants face due to immature endocrine glands.

5. A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect

• A. croup
• B. epiglottitis
• C. lower respiratory infection
• D. foreign body airway obstruction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child presenting with sudden respiratory distress without fever or recent illness, the most likely cause is a foreign body airway obstruction. Foreign body airway obstruction can lead to a sudden onset of respiratory distress as it blocks the air passage. Croup typically presents with a barking cough and stridor, often preceded by a viral illness. Epiglottitis is characterized by high fever, drooling, and a muffled voice. Lower respiratory infections usually present with symptoms such as cough, fever, and chest congestion. Therefore, in this case, the absence of recent illness or fever makes foreign body airway obstruction the most likely cause of the respiratory distress.

Similar Questions