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. A nurse is planning an initial home care visit to a mother who gave birth to a high-risk infant. For what time of day should the nurse schedule the visit to be most productive?

• A. When the husband is out of the home.
• B. At a time when the mother is feeding the infant.
• C. At a time that is convenient for the family.
• D. When the nurse can spend time with the family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Scheduling the visit at a time that is convenient for the family is crucial for ensuring the family's receptiveness and availability, making the visit more productive. Choosing a time when the mother is feeding the infant (choice B) may not necessarily align with the family's overall convenience and may disrupt the feeding routine. Similarly, scheduling the visit when the husband is out of the home (choice A) might not be optimal as it may exclude an important family member and potentially impact the support system. While spending time with the family (choice D) is important, the primary focus should be on accommodating the family's schedule to maximize the effectiveness of the visit.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory report of a child with tetralogy of Fallot that indicates an elevated RBC count. What does the professional identify as the cause of the polycythemia?

• A. Low tissue oxygen needs
• B. Tissue oxygen needs
• C. Diminished iron level
• D. Hypertrophic cardiac muscle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tissue oxygen needs. Polycythemia occurs as the body's response to chronic hypoxia by increasing RBC production to enhance oxygen delivery. In tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect, the heart's structure causes reduced oxygen levels in the blood. This chronic hypoxia stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, leading to an elevated RBC count. Choice A is incorrect as low blood pressure is not directly related to polycythemia in this context. Choice C, diminished iron level, is not the cause of polycythemia in tetralogy of Fallot. Choice D, hypertrophic cardiac muscle, is not the primary cause of the elevated RBC count in this case.

4. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Recognition of the parents
• B. Fright at the EMT-B's presence
• C. Lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
• D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT-B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In small children, altered mental status can manifest as a lack of attention to the presence of unfamiliar individuals, such as the EMT-B. This lack of engagement may indicate confusion, disorientation, or impaired cognitive function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as recognizing parents, exhibiting fear, or maintaining consistent eye contact do not necessarily indicate altered mental status. Recognizing parents is a normal response, fear can be a typical reaction to unfamiliar situations, and making eye contact may be a sign of curiosity or comfort rather than a reflection of mental status.

5. An infant is diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease. What nursing intervention is essential before surgery?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Ensuring bowel rest
• C. Performing regular enemas
• D. Maintaining NPO status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention essential before surgery for an infant with Hirschsprung disease is maintaining NPO (nothing by mouth) status. This is important to prevent aspiration during and after the surgical procedure. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) may be necessary in some cases but is not the priority intervention before surgery. Ensuring bowel rest (Choice B) is not directly related to preparing for surgery and may not be the most critical intervention. Performing regular enemas (Choice C) is not recommended before surgery for Hirschsprung disease as it can aggravate the condition.

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