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. The nurse volunteering at a homeless shelter to assist families with children identifies homelessness as a risk preventing families from achieving positive outcomes in life. What family theory encompasses this approach to assessing family dynamics?

• A. Duvall's developmental theory
• B. Friedman's structural functional theory
• C. Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families
• D. Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Resiliency model of family stress, adjustment, and adaptation focuses on identifying the elements of risks and protective factors that help families achieve positive outcomes. In this scenario, the nurse recognizing homelessness as a risk aligns with the resiliency model, which emphasizes how families cope and adapt in the face of stressors. Duvall's theory primarily focuses on family life cycle stages, Friedman's theory emphasizes the roles and functions within a family structure, and Von Bertalanffy's theory looks at families as complex systems rather than specifically addressing resilience in the face of stressors.

3. When compensating for increased physical activity, what should the nurse teach a child with type 1 diabetes to do?

• A. Eat more food when planning to exercise more than usual.
• B. Take oral, not injectable insulin, on days of heavy exercise.
• C. Take insulin in the morning when extra exercise is anticipated.
• D. Eat foods that contain sugar to compensate for the extra exercise.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Eat more food when planning to exercise more than usual.' Increased physical activity requires more energy, so additional food intake is necessary to prevent hypoglycemia. Choice B is incorrect because the method of insulin administration should not be altered based on physical activity. Choice C is incorrect as insulin timing should be consistent rather than based on anticipated exercise. Choice D is incorrect since relying on foods with sugar can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, which is not ideal for managing diabetes during exercise.

4. What is an essential nursing action when caring for a young child with severe diarrhea?

• A. Maintain the IV.
• B. Take daily weights.
• C. Replace the lost calories.
• D. Promote perianal skin integrity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Promoting perianal skin integrity is crucial when caring for a young child with severe diarrhea as it helps prevent skin breakdown from the irritation caused by frequent stooling. Maintaining the IV (Choice A) may be necessary but is not directly related to managing perianal skin integrity. Taking daily weights (Choice B) is important for monitoring fluid status but not the priority when addressing perianal skin integrity. While replacing lost calories (Choice C) is essential, promoting perianal skin integrity takes precedence in preventing complications associated with skin breakdown.

5. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. Order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. Count the radial pulse every minute for five times
• C. Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. Have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, it is important for nurses to count the apical pulse for a full minute and compare it with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias because discrepancies between the apical and radial pulse rates can indicate irregular heart rhythms. Option A is incorrect because ordering an immediate electrocardiogram may not always be feasible or necessary as a first step. Option B, counting the radial pulse multiple times, is less accurate than comparing the apical and radial pulse rates. Option D involves an unnecessary step of having another person take simultaneous pulses when the nurse can do it effectively alone.

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