Nursing Elites

1. What procedure is most appropriate for the assessment of an abdominal circumference related to a bowel obstruction?

• A. Measuring the abdomen after feedings
• B. Marking the point of measurement with a pen
• C. Measuring the circumference at the symphysis pubis
• D. Using a new tape measure with each assessment to ensure accuracy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Marking the point of measurement ensures consistent and accurate assessments of abdominal circumference, especially important in conditions like bowel obstruction where changes need to be monitored closely.

2. When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, the nurse should be alert to recognize which sign or symptom as a manifestation of perforation?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Sudden relief from pain
• D. Decreased abdominal distention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a child with probable appendicitis, sudden relief from pain is a critical sign that could indicate perforation of the appendix. Perforation results in the release of pressure and inflammation, leading to a temporary relief of pain. Anorexia (loss of appetite) and decreased abdominal distention are symptoms commonly associated with appendicitis itself, not perforation. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically a direct manifestation of appendicitis or its complications.

3. According to Piaget, which principle supports a nine-year-old child's understanding that an arm will look the same when the IV is removed?

• A. The principle of conservation
• B. The principle of transductive reasoning
• C. The principle of identity
• D. The principle of reflex abilities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the principle of conservation. Piaget's principle of conservation relates to a child's ability to understand that certain properties of objects remain unchanged despite modifications in their appearance. In this case, the child's understanding that an arm will look the same after the IV is removed demonstrates conservation of appearance. Choice B, transductive reasoning, involves making faulty generalizations based on specific instances and does not apply in this context. Choice C, the principle of identity, pertains to recognizing objects as the same even if they undergo transformations, which is not directly relevant to the scenario. Choice D, reflex abilities, refers to automatic responses to stimuli and is unrelated to the child's understanding of the arm's appearance post-IV removal.

4. A parent of a school-age child tells the school nurse that the parents are going through a divorce. The child has not been doing well in school and sometimes has trouble sleeping. The nurse should recognize this as what?

• A. Indicative of maladjustment
• B. A common reaction to divorce
• C. Suggestive of a lack of adequate parenting
• D. An unusual response that indicates a need for referral

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Poor academic performance and sleep disturbances are common reactions in children going through their parents' divorce, reflecting stress and adjustment challenges.

5. What physiologic state(s) produces the clinical manifestations of nervous system stimulation and excitement, such as overexcitability, nervousness, and tetany?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis
• D. Metabolic and respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both metabolic and respiratory alkalosis can cause overexcitability and nervous system stimulation due to a decrease in ionized calcium levels, which can cause symptoms such as tetany and paresthesias. Acidosis typically has the opposite effect, leading to depression of the nervous system.

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