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. After surgery yesterday for gastroesophageal reflux, the nurse finds that the infant has somehow removed the nasogastric (NG) tube. What nursing action is most appropriate to perform at this time?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Insert a new NG tube for feedings.
• C. Replace the NG tube to maintain gastric decompression.
• D. Leave the NG tube out as it may have been in long enough.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is important as the removal of the NG tube can disrupt postoperative care, especially in terms of maintaining gastric decompression. Inserting a new NG tube without practitioner direction can be unsafe and is not within the nurse's scope of practice. Similarly, replacing the NG tube or leaving it out should be decided by the healthcare provider to ensure the infant's safety and appropriate postoperative care.

3. The predominant characteristic of the intellectual development of a child aged 2 to 7 years is egocentricity. Which of the following best describes this concept?

• A. Selfishness
• B. Unable to see another’s point of view
• C. Able to put self in another’s place
• D. Prefers to play alone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Egocentricity in children aged 2 to 7 years means they are unable to see things from another person's perspective. This characteristic is a normal part of their cognitive development during this stage. Choice A, 'Selfishness,' is not an accurate description as egocentricity is more about a limited ability to understand others' viewpoints rather than intentional selfishness. Choice C, 'Able to put self in another’s place,' is incorrect as egocentric children struggle to do this. Choice D, 'Prefers to play alone,' is not directly related to egocentricity but may be a behavior exhibited by some children for various reasons.

4. The nurse is educating a new nurse on the identification of pain in children. What does the nurse teach about physiologic measurements in children’s pain assessment?

• A. Not useful as the only indicator for pain
• B. Best indicator of pain in children of all ages
• C. Most valuable when children also report having pain
• D. Essential to determine whether a child is telling the truth about pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiologic manifestations of pain may vary considerably, so they do not provide a consistent measure of pain. Heart rate may increase or decrease. The same signs that may suggest fear, anxiety, or anger also indicate pain. In chronic pain, the body adapts, and these signs decrease or stabilize. Physiologic measurements are of limited value and must be viewed in the context of a pain rating scale, behavioral assessment, and parental report. When the child reports pain on an appropriate pain scale, the appropriate interventions should be used. Therefore, physiologic measurements are not considered a reliable standalone indicator for pain in children, making choice A the correct answer. Choice B is incorrect because physiologic measurements alone do not serve as the best indicator of pain. Choice C is incorrect as physiologic measurements are still limited even when children report pain. Choice D is incorrect as physiologic measurements are not primarily used to determine the truthfulness of a child's pain report.

5. The child is admitted to the hospital unit newly diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse anticipate upon assessment?

• A. A white reflex
• B. Blue-tinged sclerae
• C. A red reflex
• D. Yellow-tinged sclerae

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A white reflex. The 'white reflex' or leukocoria is a common sign of retinoblastoma. It occurs when the light reflects off the tumor in the eye, giving the pupil a white appearance instead of the normal red reflex. Blue-tinged sclerae (choice B) and yellow-tinged sclerae (choice D) are not typical manifestations of retinoblastoma. A red reflex (choice C) is the normal reflection seen in the eye when light is shone on it and is not associated with retinoblastoma.

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