Nursing Elites

1. The practical nurse is caring for a child who has just returned from surgery for an appendectomy. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage early ambulation.
• B. Apply warm compresses to the incision site.
• C. Monitor for signs of infection at the surgical site.
• D. Provide a high-fiber diet immediately post-op.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection at the surgical site is crucial after an appendectomy as it helps in early detection and treatment of any potential complications. This intervention is essential for ensuring the child's proper healing and recovery post-surgery. Encouraging early ambulation is generally beneficial post-operatively but may not be the priority immediately after an appendectomy. Applying warm compresses to the incision site may not be indicated as it can increase the risk of infection. Providing a high-fiber diet immediately post-op is not recommended as the digestive system needs time to recover from surgery.

2. A 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The nurse notes that the child has a fever and is breathing rapidly. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer antipyretic medication
• B. Obtain a chest X-ray
• C. Start the child on oxygen therapy
• D. Notify the healthcare provider

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with pneumonia who is breathing rapidly, the priority action for the nurse is to start the child on oxygen therapy. This intervention is essential to ensure adequate oxygenation, which is crucial in managing respiratory distress and preventing complications associated with hypoxia. Administering antipyretic medication (Choice A) may help reduce the fever but does not address the immediate need for oxygen therapy. Obtaining a chest X-ray (Choice B) is important for diagnosis but providing oxygen is more urgent. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) can be done after initiating oxygen therapy to update on the patient's condition.

3. An adolescent female who comes to the school clinic is reluctant to confide her concerns to the practical nurse (PN). The PN tells the teen that confidentiality and privacy are maintained unless a life-threatening situation arises. Which principle supports the PN's response?

• A. The adolescent should be encouraged to seek help outside of the school clinic.
• B. Disclosures from the adolescent should be kept confidential.
• C. Honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship.
• D. Minor adolescents should not be encouraged to disclose private concerns.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct principle supporting the practical nurse's response is that honest information ensures establishing a trusting relationship. By assuring confidentiality and privacy to the adolescent unless there is a life-threatening situation, the practical nurse fosters an environment where the teen feels safe to share their concerns openly. This approach helps build trust, encouraging effective communication and support for the adolescent's well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because encouraging seeking help outside the school clinic, keeping disclosures confidential, and discouraging minor adolescents from sharing private concerns do not address the immediate need to build trust and ensure the well-being of the adolescent in a school setting.

4. What information should the practical nurse ensure the family understands about caring for a child with a tracheostomy?

• A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• B. Hygiene practices, including showering.
• C. Proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning.
• D. Application of powder around the stoma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is essential for families to be educated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to manage emergencies involving patients with tracheostomies. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for the child's safety and well-being. Choice B, hygiene practices, although important, is not as critical as CPR in managing a tracheostomy. Choice C, the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning, is also crucial but does not take precedence over CPR in emergency situations. Choice D, application of powder around the stoma, is not a standard practice and may not be necessary for tracheostomy care.

5. An adolescent’s mother calls the primary HCP’s office to inquire about the results of her daughter’s serum test that was drawn last week. Since it is the teenager’s 18th birthday, how should the nurse respond to this mother’s inquiry?

• A. Ask when the adolescent was last seen in the clinic
• B. Tell the mother to have the teenager call the clinic
• C. Since the serum sample was drawn last week, provide the mother with the findings
• D. Explain that the information cannot be released without the 18-year-old's permission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When an individual turns 18, they are considered a legal adult and have the right to privacy regarding their medical information. Therefore, the nurse should explain to the mother that without the 18-year-old's permission, the results cannot be disclosed.

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