Nursing Elites

1. What is the purpose of using cimetidine (Tagamet) for gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. The medication reduces gastric acid secretion.
• B. The medication neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
• C. The medication increases the rate of gastric emptying time.
• D. The medication coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing gastric acid secretion. This action helps to decrease the acidity in the stomach, which in turn reduces the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Choice B is incorrect because cimetidine does not neutralize acid but rather decreases its production. Choice C is incorrect as cimetidine does not affect the rate of gastric emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as cimetidine does not coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus but instead works to reduce gastric acid secretion.

2. Which condition is most commonly associated with a 'sunset sign' in infants?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Encephalitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'sunset sign,' characterized by downward-driven eyes, is most commonly associated with hydrocephalus. This condition causes increased intracranial pressure, leading to the eyes appearing to be forced downward. Meningitis (choice B) typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, but not the 'sunset sign.' Cerebral palsy (choice C) is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, not directly related to the 'sunset sign.' Encephalitis (choice D) is inflammation of the brain, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and confusion, but not the specific downward eye gaze seen in the 'sunset sign.'

3. In pediatric patients, what is the primary concern with untreated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)?

• A. Recurrent UTIs
• B. Chronic renal failure
• C. Hypertension
• D. Bladder dysfunction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary concern with untreated vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in pediatric patients is chronic renal failure. Untreated VUR can lead to this complication due to recurrent urinary tract infections and kidney damage. While recurrent UTIs (Choice A) are a common consequence of VUR, the ultimate worry is the development of chronic renal failure. Hypertension (Choice C) may occur as a result of renal damage but is not the primary concern. Bladder dysfunction (Choice D) is not the most significant consequence of untreated VUR in terms of long-term outcomes compared to chronic renal failure.

4. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

5. 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.

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