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 nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?

• A. Shortened prothrombin time
• B. Increased fibrinogen level
• C. Positive fibrin split products
• D. Increased platelets

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positive fibrin split products indicate disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a condition characterized by the widespread formation of blood clots throughout the body. In DIC, clotting factors are consumed, leading to increased fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster blood clotting, which is not consistent with the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) is also not a characteristic finding in DIC, as fibrinogen levels may be decreased due to consumption in the formation of clots. Increased platelets (Choice D) are not typically observed in DIC; instead, thrombocytopenia (decreased platelet count) is more common due to their consumption in clot formation.

3. A parent asks the nurse what they can do to help their child who is experiencing night terrors. What should the nurse suggest?

• A. Encourage the child to talk about the dream
• B. Establish a bedtime routine
• C. Allow the child to sleep with the parents
• D. Wake the child during the night

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Establishing a bedtime routine is the most appropriate suggestion for a child experiencing night terrors. Consistent bedtime routines help create a sense of security and predictability, reducing the likelihood of night terrors. Encouraging the child to talk about the dream (Choice A) may not be effective as night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, and the child may not remember the dreams. Allowing the child to sleep with the parents (Choice C) can reinforce dependency and may not address the underlying causes of night terrors. Waking the child during the night (Choice D) can disrupt their sleep cycle and worsen the occurrence of night terrors.

4. The nurse is admitting a newborn with hypospadias to the nursery. The nurse expects which finding in this newborn?

• A. Absence of a urethral opening is noted
• B. Penis appears shorter than usual for age
• C. The urethral opening is along the dorsal surface of the penis
• D. The urethral opening is along the ventral surface of the penis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hypospadias, the urethral opening is located along the ventral surface of the penis. This congenital condition results in the urethral meatus opening on the underside of the penis, rather than at the tip. Choice A is incorrect as there is typically a urethral opening present, though in an abnormal location. Choice B is not a characteristic feature of hypospadias. Choice C is incorrect as the urethral opening in hypospadias is not along the dorsal surface but rather along the ventral surface of the penis.

5. When explaining the occurrence of febrile seizures to a parents' class, what information should the nurse include?

• A. They may occur in minor illnesses.
• B. The cause is usually readily identified.
• C. They usually do not occur during the toddler years.
• D. The frequency of occurrence is greater in females than males.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They may occur in minor illnesses.' Febrile seizures can occur even in minor illnesses, particularly in young children, and are often triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature. Choice B is incorrect because the cause of febrile seizures is not always readily identified. Choice C is incorrect as febrile seizures commonly occur in children aged 6 months to 5 years, which includes the toddler years. Choice D is incorrect as febrile seizures are slightly more common in males than females.

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