Nursing Elites

1. What finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Smooth velvety skin
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a child with hypothyroidism, weight gain is a typical finding due to the slowed metabolism associated with the condition. This occurs because thyroid hormone levels are insufficient to regulate metabolism effectively. Choices A, B, and C are not typically associated with hypothyroidism. Nervousness is more commonly seen in conditions like hyperthyroidism, where there is an excess of thyroid hormones. Heat intolerance may be seen in hyperthyroidism as well, where the body's metabolism is increased. Smooth velvety skin is a characteristic finding in conditions like Cushing's syndrome, where there is excess cortisol production.

2. Which nursing intervention provides the most support to the parents of an infant with an obvious physical anomaly?

• A. Encourage them to express their concerns.
• B. Discourage them from talking about their baby.
• C. Assure them not to worry because the anomaly can be repaired.
• D. Show them postoperative photographs of infants who had a similar anomaly.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging parents to express their concerns is the most supportive intervention because it allows them to process their emotions and provides them with an opportunity to share their fears, anxieties, and questions. This open communication helps the nurse to offer appropriate support, education, and reassurance. Discouraging parents from talking about their baby (Choice B) can hinder their emotional expression and prevent them from seeking necessary information and support. Assuring parents not to worry (Choice C) may invalidate their feelings and minimize the significance of their concerns. Showing postoperative photographs (Choice D) may not be appropriate at this stage as parents need emotional support and education about the current situation before focusing on postoperative outcomes.

3. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?

• A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and remove for 60 minutes.
• B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
• C. May take an NSAID for pain as prescribed.
• D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Applying ice in intervals helps to reduce swelling and pain in the first 24 hours after a sprain. This intervention is crucial in the initial management of a sprain to decrease inflammation and provide pain relief. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as prolonged immobilization can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. Allowing the child to take an NSAID for pain as prescribed (Choice C) is a supportive measure but not as essential as ice application in the acute phase. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours (Choice D) may assist in reducing swelling, but it is not as critical as the immediate application of ice to manage pain and inflammation effectively.

4. The nurse is caring for a boy with probable intussusception. He had diarrhea before admission, but while waiting for the administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, he passes a normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate?

• A. notify the practitioner
• B. measure abdominal girth
• C. auscultate for bowel sounds
• D. take vital signs, including blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage of a normal brown stool in a child with intussusception could indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. This change in the patient's condition is significant, requiring prompt notification of the practitioner for further evaluation and management. While measuring abdominal girth (Choice B) is important for assessing abdominal distention, it is not the priority when a potential spontaneous reduction may have occurred. Auscultating for bowel sounds (Choice C) and taking vital signs, including blood pressure (Choice D), are routine nursing assessments but do not address the immediate need to inform the practitioner of a possible change in the patient's condition that necessitates urgent attention.

5. What is the priority nursing responsibility when a 3-year-old child in a crib has a clamped jaw and is having a tonic-clonic seizure?

• A. Apply restraints.
• B. Administer oxygen.
• C. Protect the child from self-injury.
• D. Insert a plastic airway in the child’s mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing responsibility is to protect the child from self-injury. Applying restraints is not recommended during a seizure as it can lead to further harm. Administering oxygen may be necessary after the seizure to support oxygenation, but it is not the priority during the seizure itself. Inserting a plastic airway is also not indicated as the jaw is clamped, and the child should not have anything placed in the mouth during a seizure. Therefore, the correct action is to ensure the child's safety by protecting them from self-injury, preventing harm from uncontrolled movements and potential falls.

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