Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The nurses caring for a child are concerned about the child’s frequent requests for pain medication. During a team conference, a new nurse suggests they consider administering a placebo instead of the usual pain medication to see how the child responds. The team educates the nurse on why this is not appropriate and bases the decision on what knowledge?

• A. This practice is unjustified and unethical.
• B. This practice is effective in determining whether a child’s pain is real.
• C. The absence of a response to a placebo means the child’s pain has an organic basis.
• D. A positive response to a placebo will not occur if the child’s pain has an organic basis.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The use of placebos without the patient’s consent is unethical and goes against the principles of beneficence and autonomy. Choice B is incorrect because using placebos does not provide reliable information about the presence or severity of the pain; it only indicates the response to the placebo itself. Choice C is wrong as the absence of a response to a placebo does not definitively mean that the child’s pain has an organic basis; there could be various reasons for the lack of response. Choice D is also incorrect as individuals may have a positive response to a placebo even if their pain has a significant organic cause. Therefore, the most appropriate response is A, emphasizing the ethical concerns surrounding the use of placebos without informed consent.

3. An appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child should be to mix them with which?

• A. Bottle of formula or milk
• B. Any food the child is going to eat
• C. One teaspoon of something sweet-tasting such as jam
• D. Carbonated beverage, which is then poured over crushed ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mixing bitter medication with a small amount of something sweet, like jam, can mask the taste effectively without diluting the medication too much. Mixing with milk or formula is not recommended as the child may refuse future feedings, and carbonated beverages are not suitable for infants.

4. As children grow and develop, their style of play changes. Which play style is descriptive of the school-age child?

• A. Plays alone but not with other children
• B. Plays games with other children and is able to follow the rules of the game
• C. Plays alone with play directed by others
• D. Plays with others in loose groups

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. School-age children are typically able to play structured games with other children and follow the rules of the game. This ability reflects their growing cognitive and social development. Choice A is incorrect as school-age children often engage in group play. Choice C is incorrect as school-age children usually have more autonomy in their play choices. Choice D is incorrect as school-age children tend to form more organized play settings rather than loose groups.

5. The nurse is caring for a child with hypernatremia. The nurse evaluates the child for which signs and symptoms of hypernatremia? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Lethargy
• C. Oliguria
• D. Intense thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypernatremia typically presents with lethargy, oliguria, and intense thirst due to the body's attempt to conserve water. Apathy can also occur, but lethargy and thirst are more consistent indicators.

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