Nursing Elites

1. Which finding suggests fluid volume deficit in an infant presenting with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. A sunken fontanel
• C. Decreased pulse rate
• D. Low urine specific gravity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants, indicating a fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, the fontanel sinks due to decreased fluid volume in the body. Increased blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Decreased pulse rate (Choice C) is not a common finding in fluid volume deficit, as the body tries to increase the heart rate to compensate for decreased volume. Low urine specific gravity (Choice D) may be seen in dehydration, but it is not as specific or as easily observable as a sunken fontanel.

2. An intravenous line is needed in a school-age child. What medication is an appropriate analgesic for use with this patient?

• A. TAC (tetracaine, epinephrine [Adrenalin], cocaine) 15 minutes before the procedure.
• B. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch at the site of venipuncture.
• C. EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) immediately before the procedure.
• D. LMX (4% liposomal lidocaine cream) 30 minutes before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: LMX is an effective analgesic agent when applied to the skin 30 minutes before a procedure. It eliminates or reduces the pain from most procedures involving skin puncture. TAC provides skin anesthesia about 15 minutes after application to nonintact skin, making it more suitable for wound suturing. Transdermal fentanyl patches are designed for continuous pain control, not rapid pain control needed for a procedure like venipuncture. EMLA, for maximum effectiveness, must be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure, making it less suitable for immediate pain relief required for intravenous line placement.

3. What statement is an advantage of peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis?

• A. Protein loss is less extensive.
• B. Dietary limitations are not necessary.
• C. It is easy to learn and safe to perform.
• D. It is needed less frequently than hemodialysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peritoneal dialysis is generally easier to learn and can be safely performed at home. Although dietary limitations still apply, this method offers greater flexibility in treatment scheduling compared to hemodialysis, which often requires multiple weekly visits to a dialysis center.

4. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a 'machine-like' murmur in children?

• A. Patent ductus arteriosus
• B. Ventricular septal defect
• C. Atrial septal defect
• D. Coarctation of the aorta

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Patent ductus arteriosus. This condition is characterized by a continuous 'machine-like' murmur due to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Ventricular septal defect (choice B) is characterized by a harsh holosystolic murmur, atrial septal defect (choice C) typically presents with a fixed split S2 and a pulmonary flow murmur, and coarctation of the aorta (choice D) is associated with a systolic murmur in the back and bilateral lower extremities.

5. An infant is brought to the emergency department with the following clinical manifestations: poor skin turgor, weight loss, lethargy, tachycardia, and tachypnea. This is suggestive of which situation?

• A. Water excess
• B. Sodium excess
• C. Water depletion
• D. Potassium excess

Correct answer: C

Rationale: These symptoms are indicative of dehydration or water depletion, which is common in infants and can rapidly lead to severe consequences if not addressed promptly.

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