Nursing Elites

1. Which assessment data would cause suspicion that a 3-year-old child has Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Clay-colored stools and dark urine
• B. History of early passage of meconium in the newborn period
• C. History of chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight
• D. Continual bouts of foul-smelling diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by chronic, progressive constipation and failure to gain weight. These symptoms are indicative of the disorder due to the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon, leading to impaired motility and obstruction.

2. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

3. A school-age child is 2 hours postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Place a heating pad at the surgical site.
• B. Encourage the child to cough every 2 hours.
• C. Administer analgesics to the child on a regular schedule.
• D. Apply an ice collar to the child's neck.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a tonsillectomy, applying an ice collar to the child's neck helps decrease pain and swelling. Heat should be avoided as it can increase bleeding. Encouraging coughing may increase the risk of bleeding. Administering analgesics on a regular schedule is essential for pain management, but the immediate postoperative period may require additional interventions like ice collar application.

4. A healthcare professional is performing hearing screenings for children at a community health fair. Which of the following children should the professional refer to a provider for a more extensive hearing evaluation?

• A. A toddler who is 18 months old and has unintelligible speech
• B. An infant who is 3 months old and has an exaggerated startle response
• C. A preschooler who is 4 years old and prefers playing with others rather than alone
• D. An infant who is 8 months old and is not yet making babbling sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The healthcare professional should refer an infant who is not making babbling sounds by the age of 7 months to a provider for a more extensive evaluation of hearing. Babbling sounds are a developmental milestone that typically occurs by 7 months of age. Delayed or absent babbling can indicate potential hearing issues that warrant further assessment.

5. A caregiver is seeking guidance from a healthcare provider concerning a child diagnosed with impetigo. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. Apply warm compresses to the affected area.
• B. Keep the child home from school until lesions are crusted over.
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment to the lesions.
• D. Cleanse the affected area with hydrogen peroxide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The healthcare provider should recommend applying antibiotic ointment to the lesions to prevent the spread of infection and facilitate healing. Antibiotic ointment helps combat the bacterial infection associated with impetigo and supports the skin's recovery process. This approach aids in reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and promoting a quicker resolution of the condition.

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