Nursing Elites

1. What intervention is crucial during a sickle cell crisis in a child?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Apply cold compresses
• C. Restrict fluids
• D. Encourage bed rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial during a sickle cell crisis in a child as it helps to prevent further sickling of cells. Oxygen therapy can improve oxygen saturation levels, reducing the risk of tissue damage and complications. Applying cold compresses (choice B) is not recommended as it can potentially worsen vaso-occlusive crisis by causing vasoconstriction. Restricting fluids (choice C) is not appropriate as hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain adequate blood flow. Encouraging bed rest (choice D) may be necessary but administering oxygen takes precedence in managing a sickle cell crisis.

2. Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. What is a benefit of using an implanted port (e.g., Port-a-Cath)?

• A. You do not need to pierce the skin for access.
• B. It is easy to use for self-administered infusions.
• C. The patient does not need to limit regular physical activity, including swimming.
• D. The catheter cannot dislodge from the port even if the child plays with the port site.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Implanted ports like the Port-a-Cath are fully implanted under the skin, allowing the child to maintain regular physical activities, including swimming, without the risk of dislodging the catheter. Piercing the skin is still required for access, and self-administration is more complex.

3. A toddler’s mother calls the nurse because she thinks her son has swallowed a button type of battery. He has no signs of respiratory distress. The nurse’s response should be based on which premise?

• A. An emergency laparotomy is very likely.
• B. The location needs to be confirmed by radiographic examination.
• C. Surgery will be necessary if the battery has not passed in the stool in 48 hours.
• D. Careful observation is essential because an ingested battery cannot be accurately detected.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Radiographic examination is essential to confirm the location of the battery, as it can cause significant damage, particularly if lodged in the esophagus. Immediate surgery may be required depending on its location and the potential for causing harm.

4. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

5. Baby M is 5 months old. You notice that she now has the ability to grasp objects between her fingers and opposing thumb. This is known as:

• A. Parachute reflex
• B. Grasp reflex
• C. Pincer grasp
• D. Prehension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pincer grasp. The pincer grasp is the ability to hold objects between the thumb and another finger, typically developed around 9-12 months. At 5 months, it is early for a pincer grasp to fully develop, but the beginning of this skill can be seen as early as 5 months. Choices A and B are incorrect as the parachute reflex is a protective response to falling and the grasp reflex is an automatic response to touch. Choice D, prehension, is a general term for the act of grasping or holding objects, but it does not specifically refer to holding objects between the thumb and fingers like the pincer grasp does.

Similar Questions