Nursing Elites

1. Why is it difficult to assess a child’s dietary intake?

• A. No systematic assessment tool has been developed
• B. Biochemical analysis for assessing nutrition is expensive
• C. Families usually do not understand much about nutrition
• D. Recall of food consumption is frequently unreliable

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Recall of food intake, especially amounts eaten, is often unreliable. While systematic tools like the 24-hour recall and dietary history questionnaires exist, recall can still be challenging in accurately assessing a child's dietary intake. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because systematic assessment tools do exist, biochemical analysis is not the primary method for dietary assessment, and families' understanding of nutrition may vary but is not the main reason for the difficulty in assessing a child's dietary intake.

2. 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.

3. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

4. What is the earliest age at which a satisfactory radial pulse can be taken in children?

• A. 1 year
• B. 2 years
• C. 3 years
• D. 6 years

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A satisfactory radial pulse can typically be taken starting at around 3 years of age, as younger children often have pulses that are too fast and irregular for accurate measurement.

5. 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.

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