Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the breath sounds of an 18-month-old child who is crying, what action should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Document that the assessment is not available because the child is crying.
• B. Ask the caregiver to quiet the child so breath sounds can be auscultated.
• C. Allow the child to play with a stethoscope to distract them during auscultation.
• D. Auscultate and document breath sounds, noting that the child was crying at the time.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a stethoscope can help distract them, making it easier to auscultate breath sounds. This approach can create a more cooperative and engaging environment for the child, facilitating a more accurate assessment of their breath sounds. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the need for an assessment. Choice B is not ideal as it puts pressure on the caregiver and may not be effective in calming the child. Choice D is not the best option as it does not actively involve the child in the assessment process and may not provide an accurate representation of their breath sounds.

2. A 6-year-old boy with bronchial asthma takes the beta-adrenergic agonist albuterol (Proventil). The child’s mother tells the nurse that she uses this medication to open her son’s airway when he is having trouble breathing. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Recommend that the mother bring the child in for immediate evaluation
• B. Advise the mother that overuse of the drug may cause chronic bronchitis
• C. Assure the mother that she is using the medication correctly
• D. Confirm that the medication helps to reduce airway inflammation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is to assure the mother that she is using the medication correctly. Albuterol is a beta-adrenergic agonist that helps open the airways during an asthma attack. By reassuring the mother, the nurse reinforces the correct usage of the medication, which is crucial in managing the child's asthma symptoms effectively. Option A is incorrect because immediate evaluation may not be necessary if the child's symptoms are being managed effectively with albuterol. Option B is incorrect as chronic bronchitis is not typically associated with the overuse of albuterol. Option D is incorrect as albuterol primarily acts as a bronchodilator and does not directly reduce airway inflammation.

3. The mother of a 14-year-old who had a below-the-knee amputation for osteosarcoma tells the nurse that her child is angry and blaming her for allowing the amputation to occur. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

• A. I will ask the HCP for a psychiatric consult for your child
• B. This type of acting out behavior is normal for adolescents
• C. It is important to focus on your child's needs at this difficult time
• D. A reaction of anger is your child's attempt to cope with this loss

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Acknowledging the child's anger as a coping mechanism helps validate their feelings and can open a dialogue for further support.

4. A 7-year-old is admitted to the hospital with persistent vomiting, and a nasogastric tube attached to low intermittent suction is applied. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours.
• B. Shift intake of 640 mL IV fluids plus 30 mL PO ice chips.
• C. Serum potassium of 3.0 mEq/L.
• D. Serum pH of 7.45.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is significantly low and indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the healthcare provider for immediate intervention. The other findings are not as critical in this situation. Gastric output of 100 mL in the last 8 hours may be expected in a patient with persistent vomiting. The shift intake of IV fluids and ice chips indicates fluid replacement, which is important but not as urgent as correcting electrolyte imbalances. A serum pH of 7.45 is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern.

5. The practical nurse is reinforcing education with the parents of a child prescribed iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia. Which statement by the parents indicates they need further instruction?

• A. We will give the iron supplement with milk to reduce stomach upset.
• B. We should give the iron supplement with orange juice to improve absorption.
• C. The supplement may cause the stools to appear dark or black.
• D. We should store the iron supplements out of reach of children.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Iron supplements should not be given with milk as calcium can interfere with iron absorption. Instead, it is recommended to give it with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, to enhance iron absorption. Giving iron supplements with milk may decrease the absorption of iron and should be avoided. Choice B is the correct method to improve iron absorption. Choice C is correct as iron supplements can cause dark or black stools due to unabsorbed iron. Choice D is also correct as iron supplements should always be stored out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

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