Nursing Elites

1. Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough in children?

• A. Asthma
• B. Bronchiolitis
• C. Croup
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. It is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, typically worse at night, caused by the inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea. Asthma (Choice A) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath rather than a barking cough. Bronchiolitis (Choice B) commonly causes wheezing and respiratory distress in infants and young children. Pneumonia (Choice D) often presents with symptoms like fever, productive cough, and chest pain, but not typically a barking cough.

2. The mother of a 6-year-old boy who has recently had surgery for the removal of his tonsils and adenoids complains that he has begun sucking his thumb again. Which defense mechanism should the nurse include when responding to the mother?

• A. Repression
• B. Regression
• C. Rationalization
• D. Fantasy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Regression. Regression is a common defense mechanism where a child reverts to an earlier stage of development, such as thumb-sucking, to cope with stress. In this scenario, the 6-year-old boy is using thumb-sucking (a behavior typical of earlier developmental stages) as a way to deal with the stress of surgery. Repression (choice A) involves unconsciously blocking out thoughts or feelings, which is not applicable in this case. Rationalization (choice C) is a defense mechanism where illogical or unreasonable explanations are provided to justify behavior, which is not relevant here. Fantasy (choice D) refers to the use of imagination to escape from reality, which is also not the appropriate defense mechanism for the situation described.

3. What is the recommended position for a child with epiglottitis to ease breathing?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Tripod
• D. Semi-Fowler’s

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Tripod.' In children with epiglottitis, the tripod position is recommended to help open the airway and ease breathing. This position involves the child sitting upright, leaning forward, and supporting themselves with their hands on their knees or another surface. This posture helps improve air entry into the lungs by maximizing the space for breathing. Choices A (Supine), B (Prone), and D (Semi-Fowler’s) are incorrect. Placing a child with epiglottitis in the supine position may further obstruct the airway, while the prone position and semi-Fowler’s position do not facilitate optimal air exchange in these cases.

4. An important role of the nurse in ambulatory settings and schools is the identification of communicable diseases for treatment and the prevention of spread. What is an important component related to the first period of the contagiousness of disease?

• A. Source
• B. Causative agent
• C. Prodromal stage
• D. Constitutional symptoms

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The prodromal period is the interval between the early manifestations of the disease and the time when the overt clinical syndrome is evident. Most communicable diseases are contagious during this time. Identifying the prodromal stage is crucial for early intervention and preventing the spread of the disease. While the source and causative agent are important aspects of disease control, recognizing the early signs in the prodromal stage allows the nurse to take timely actions. Constitutional symptoms occur during the active disease phase, indicating that the child has already been contagious, and early intervention opportunities may have passed.

5. What is an advantage of the ventrogluteal muscle as an injection site in young children?

• A. Easily accessible from many directions
• B. Free of significant nerves and vascular structures
• C. Can be used until the child reaches a weight of 9 kg (20 lb)
• D. Increased subcutaneous fat, which provides sustained drug absorption

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is free of significant nerves and vascular structures, making it a safer choice for intramuscular injections in young children compared to other sites that may be more prone to complications.

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