Nursing Elites

1. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

2. The parents of a 2-year-old boy who had a repair of exstrophy of the bladder at birth ask when they can begin toilet training their son. The nurse replies based on what knowledge?

• A. Most boys in the United States can be toilet trained at age 3 years.
• B. Training can begin when he has sufficient bladder capacity.
• C. Additional surgery may be necessary to achieve continence.
• D. They should begin now because he will require additional time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Toilet training should begin when the child has sufficient bladder capacity and control, which may be delayed in children who have undergone surgical repairs for conditions like bladder exstrophy. Premature training can lead to frustration and setbacks.

3. The charge nurse in the pediatric unit is teaching nursing students about pyloric stenosis. A student asks what causes pyloric stenosis. How should the nurse respond?

• A. One portion of the intestines invaginates or telescopes into another
• B. Hypertrophy of the circular pylorus muscle
• C. Relaxed cardiac sphincter
• D. Absent ganglion cells in the colon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pyloric stenosis is caused by the hypertrophy (thickening) of the circular muscle of the pylorus, leading to obstruction. Choice A is incorrect as it describes intussusception, not pyloric stenosis. Choice C is incorrect as a relaxed cardiac sphincter is related to gastroesophageal reflux. Choice D is incorrect as it describes Hirschsprung's disease, not pyloric stenosis.

4. What should preoperative care of a newborn with an anorectal malformation include?

• A. Frequent suctioning
• B. Gastrointestinal decompression
• C. Feedings with sterile water only
• D. Supine position with head elevated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preoperative care for a newborn with an anorectal malformation should include feedings with sterile water only. This approach is important to avoid complications before surgery. Gastrointestinal decompression is necessary to prevent abdominal distention and potential aspiration, making choice B incorrect. Frequent suctioning and placing the newborn in a supine position with the head elevated are not typically part of the preoperative care protocol for an anorectal malformation, thus choices A and D are incorrect.

5. What is the primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn?

• A. Cyanosis
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Absent breath sounds
• D. Tachypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Absent breath sounds on the affected side are a primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Cyanosis, bradycardia, and tachypnea may also be present but are not the primary symptom. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation, bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, and tachypnea is rapid breathing.

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