Nursing Elites

1. What is the recommended analgesia for preparing a school-age child for a lumbar puncture (LP)?

• A. Ondansetron (Zofran) 4 mg / 5 ml PO TID.
• B. Codeine 10 mg PO 30 minutes before the procedure.
• C. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch immediately before the procedure.
• D. EMLA (eutectic mixtures of local anesthetics) 2.5 hours before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a lumbar puncture in a school-age child, EMLA cream should be applied 2.5 hours before the procedure. EMLA is commonly used to numb the skin, reducing pain and discomfort for the child during the procedure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ondansetron is an antiemetic, codeine is an opioid analgesic that may not be suitable for children, and transdermal fentanyl is a strong opioid that is not typically used for local anesthesia in children undergoing lumbar puncture.

2. The parents of a 15-month-old boy tell the nurse that they are concerned because their son brings his spoon to his mouth but does not turn it over. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Discuss the possibility of a referral to a specialist
• B. Question the parents about their concern
• C. Advise the parents on proper spoon handling techniques for the child
• D. Recommend extending mealtimes to allow the child to finish eating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial action for the nurse is to question the parents about their concerns. By doing so, the nurse can gather more information to understand the situation better. This helps in determining if the child's behavior is within normal development or if further action or referrals are necessary. Choice A is incorrect as it jumps to a specialist referral without fully assessing the situation first. Choice C is also incorrect because assuming the parents need advice on proper spoon handling techniques may not be the case. Choice D is incorrect as it does not address the core concern raised by the parents.

3. The heart rate for a 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has steadily decreased over the last few hours, now it's 76 bpm, the previous reading 4 hours ago was 110 bpm. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?

• A. Oxygen saturation 94%.
• B. RR of 25 breaths/minute.
• C. Urine output 20 mL/hr.
• D. BP 70/40.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. A decrease in blood pressure may suggest poor cardiac output and compromised perfusion, requiring urgent medical attention. The other findings (oxygen saturation of 94%, RR of 25 breaths/minute, and urine output of 20 mL/hr) are within normal ranges for a 3-year-old and do not indicate immediate deterioration of the heart defect.

4. In a 12-year-old child with a history of epilepsy brought to the emergency department after experiencing a 10-minute seizure, what is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed
• C. Monitor the child’s vital signs
• D. Check the child’s blood glucose level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering antiepileptic medication as prescribed is the priority intervention in a child with a history of epilepsy who experienced a prolonged seizure. This action is crucial to stop the seizure and prevent further complications associated with prolonged seizure activity. Administering oxygen may be necessary, but the priority is to stop the seizure. Monitoring vital signs and checking blood glucose levels are important but secondary to administering antiepileptic medication to manage the seizure.

5. In a hospitalized child receiving IV fluids for dehydration, what is the best indicator that the child’s dehydration is improving?

• A. The child’s urine output increases
• B. The child’s skin turgor is normal
• C. The child’s weight increases
• D. The child’s vital signs are stable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator of improving dehydration in a child. It signifies that the kidneys are functioning better, helping to restore fluid balance in the body. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing hydration status and response to treatment. Choices B, C, and D are not the best indicators of improving dehydration. Normal skin turgor is helpful but may not change immediately with improving hydration. Weight increase may reflect retained fluids rather than improved hydration status. Stable vital signs are important but may not always indicate improving dehydration.

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