Nursing Elites

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

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 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, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

2. A nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering insulin as prescribed
• B. Monitoring blood glucose levels
• C. Teaching the child how to self-administer insulin
• D. Encouraging regular exercise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 7-year-old child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to monitor blood glucose levels. This is crucial for managing and adjusting insulin therapy effectively. Administering insulin as prescribed is important, but monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence as it guides insulin administration. Teaching the child how to self-administer insulin and encouraging regular exercise are also important aspects of diabetes management, but they are not the priority in this situation.

3. After completing an oral examination of a healthy 2-year-old child, the parent asks when the child should first be taken to the dentist. When is the most appropriate time in the child’s life for the nurse to suggest?

• A. Before starting school
• B. Within the next few months
• C. When the first deciduous teeth are lost
• D. At the next dental visit of a family member

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is recommended that a child should visit the dentist within the next few months after turning two years old. This allows for early dental check-ups to monitor oral health, detect any issues early on, and establish a good oral hygiene routine. Choice A ('Before starting school') is not as specific and may delay the child's first dental visit. Choice C ('When the first deciduous teeth are lost') is too late for the first dental visit, as preventive care should start earlier. Choice D ('At the next dental visit of a family member') is not ideal as the child's dental needs should be addressed independently of family members' visits.

4. A 3-year-old child with a diagnosis of acute otitis media is being discharged. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids
• B. Encourage the child to eat a balanced diet
• C. Administer pain medication as needed
• D. Apply warm compresses to the affected ear

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids. Encouraging adequate fluid intake helps to relieve symptoms and prevent dehydration in children with acute otitis media. A balanced diet (choice B) is important for overall health but is not specifically related to managing otitis media. While pain medication (choice C) may be prescribed, it should not be administered without medical advice. Applying warm compresses (choice D) is not typically recommended for acute otitis media as it can potentially worsen the condition by promoting bacterial growth.

5. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.

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