Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

2. In planning care for children, the nurse considers children’s anxiety about hospitalization. Which measure should be included in the child’s plan of care to help reduce anxiety?

• A. Therapeutic play
• B. Time-out
• C. Counseling
• D. Movies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Therapeutic play should be included in the child’s plan of care to help reduce anxiety during hospitalization. It is an effective strategy that allows children to express their feelings, understand procedures, and reduce anxiety levels. Time-out (choice B) is not suitable for addressing anxiety related to hospitalization. Counseling (choice C) may be beneficial but is not as specifically tailored to reduce anxiety in the hospital setting as therapeutic play. Movies (choice D) may provide a temporary distraction but do not actively involve the child in addressing their emotions and fears associated with hospitalization.

3. Which laboratory value at the time of diagnosis should the nurse anticipate would determine the worst prognosis for a child with leukemia?

• A. Slow response to chemotherapy
• B. Platelets of 150,000/mcL
• C. Leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL
• D. Leukocytes of 275,000/mcL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A high white blood cell count (leukocytes of 275,000/mcL) at diagnosis is associated with a worse prognosis in leukemia because it indicates a more aggressive disease with a higher tumor burden. Slow response to chemotherapy (choice A) is a consequence of the aggressive disease and not a determining factor at diagnosis. Platelets of 150,000/mcL (choice B) and leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL (choice C) are within normal ranges and not indicative of a worse prognosis in leukemia.

4. Which nursing intervention should be included in the postoperative care of a child following a tonsillectomy?

• A. Encourage the child to blow the nose gently
• B. Notify the physician if mucus is observed in the emesis
• C. Position the child supine in the immediate postoperative period
• D. Avoid giving citrus juice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid giving citrus juice.' Citrus juice can irritate the throat after a tonsillectomy, so it should be avoided. Choice A is incorrect because blowing the nose gently is not a recommended intervention following a tonsillectomy. Choice B is incorrect as mucus in emesis is not uncommon postoperatively and does not necessarily require physician notification. Choice C is incorrect as positioning the child supine immediately postoperatively can increase the risk of airway obstruction and should be avoided.

5. A 13-year-old boy comes to the school nurse complaining of sudden and severe scrotal pain. He denies any trauma to the scrotum. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Refer him for immediate medical evaluation
• B. Administer analgesics and recommend scrotal support.
• C. Apply an ice bag and observe for increasing pain.
• D. Reassure the adolescent that occasional pain is common with the changes of puberty.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sudden and severe scrotal pain in an adolescent male is a medical emergency and may indicate testicular torsion, which requires immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent testicular loss.

Similar Questions