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 healthcare professional is teaching parents about why most children should be immunized against varicella (chickenpox) and why some receiving specific medications should not. Which medication should be included in the discussion?

• A. Insulin
• B. Steroids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Anticonvulsants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Steroids. Children receiving steroids should not receive the varicella vaccine as it can increase the risk of severe infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Insulin (Choice A) is not a medication that contraindicates varicella vaccination. Antibiotics (Choice C) and anticonvulsants (Choice D) are also not medications that would impact the decision to immunize against varicella.

3. What would be important for the nurse to include when teaching an adolescent about tinea pedis?

• A. Keep your feet moist and exposed to the air as much as possible.
• B. Dry the area between your toes thoroughly.
• C. Wear nylon or synthetic socks every day.
• D. Walk barefoot in the school locker room.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Dry the area between your toes thoroughly.' When educating an adolescent about tinea pedis, emphasis should be placed on keeping the feet dry, especially between the toes, to minimize the risk of fungal infection. Choice A is incorrect as keeping the feet moist can exacerbate the condition. Choice C is incorrect because nylon or synthetic socks can trap moisture, promoting fungal growth. Choice D is incorrect as walking barefoot in locker rooms increases the risk of contracting tinea pedis from contaminated surfaces.

4. What is the most important intervention for a nurse to implement for a child with sickle cell anemia admitted to the hospital during a vaso-occlusive crisis?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Monitoring vital signs
• D. Administering pain medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ensuring adequate hydration is crucial during a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia as it helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood and prevent further sickling of the cells. While administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases, ensuring hydration takes precedence as it directly impacts the underlying pathophysiology of the crisis. Monitoring vital signs is important for ongoing assessment but does not directly address the crisis as hydration does. Administering pain medication is important for pain relief but does not address the primary issue of vaso-occlusion and is not the most crucial intervention in this scenario.

5. A child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Encouraging a diet high in protein
• B. Administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• C. Applying heat to affected joints
• D. Providing range-of-motion exercises

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is administering nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation. NSAIDs are commonly used in the treatment of JIA to help alleviate symptoms. While encouraging a diet high in protein, applying heat to affected joints, and providing range-of-motion exercises are essential components of care, addressing pain and inflammation with NSAIDs is the priority intervention. This is because controlling pain and inflammation is crucial in improving the child's comfort and quality of life, which takes precedence over other supportive measures.

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