Nursing Elites

1. What is an early sign of congestive heart failure that the nurse should recognize?

• A. tachypnea
• B. bradycardia
• C. inability to sweat
• D. increased urinary output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachypnea is an early sign of congestive heart failure that nurses should recognize. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, which can be an indication of the body's attempt to compensate for decreased cardiac output in congestive heart failure. Bradycardia (choice B) is a slow heart rate and is not typically associated with congestive heart failure. Inability to sweat (choice C) and increased urinary output (choice D) are not specific early signs of congestive heart failure and are not typically recognized as such.

2. When discussing the side effects of the Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccine with parents, which sign should the nurse mention for an infant receiving the vaccine?

• A. Lethargy
• B. Urticaria
• C. Generalized rash
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Low-grade fever.' A low-grade fever is a typical, mild side effect that can occur after the Hib vaccine is administered. It is a sign that the body's immune system is responding to the vaccine and is generally not a cause for concern. Lethargy, urticaria, and generalized rash are not commonly associated side effects of the Hib vaccine. Lethargy may be a sign of other issues, while urticaria and generalized rash are more indicative of allergic reactions rather than typical responses to the Hib vaccine.

3. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

4. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?

• A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
• B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
• C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
• D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is showing signs of shock with increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities helps improve venous return to the heart, cardiac output, and oxygenation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm. This action can alleviate the respiratory distress and is a critical step to take in a child with signs of shock. Beginning positive pressure ventilations (Choice B) should be considered if the infant's respiratory distress worsens despite lowering the extremities. Placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow (Choice C) may not directly address the increased work of breathing or the underlying shock condition. Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (Choice D) may provide information on lung sounds but does not address the immediate need to improve breathing in a child with signs of shock.

5. During a check-up for a 5-year-old child with eczema before school starts, what will the nurse do?

• A. Change the bandage on a cut on the child’s hand.
• B. Assess the compliance with treatment regimens.
• C. Discuss systemic corticosteroid therapy.
• D. Assess the child’s fluid volume.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing compliance with treatment regimens is crucial in managing eczema effectively and preventing flare-ups. This involves ensuring that the child is following the prescribed treatment plan, which may include medication application, skincare routines, and lifestyle modifications. Changing a bandage on a cut would not be a routine part of an eczema check-up unless there was a specific wound related to eczema. Discussing systemic corticosteroid therapy may be part of the management plan for severe eczema cases but would not be the primary focus during a routine check-up. Assessing the child’s fluid volume, while important in general health assessments, is not directly related to managing eczema specifically.

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