Nursing Elites

1. What information should the practical nurse ensure the family understands about caring for a child with a tracheostomy?

• A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
• B. Hygiene practices, including showering.
• C. Proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning.
• D. Application of powder around the stoma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is essential for families to be educated in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to manage emergencies involving patients with tracheostomies. Maintaining a clear airway is crucial for the child's safety and well-being. Choice B, hygiene practices, although important, is not as critical as CPR in managing a tracheostomy. Choice C, the proper technique for tracheostomy suctioning, is also crucial but does not take precedence over CPR in emergency situations. Choice D, application of powder around the stoma, is not a standard practice and may not be necessary for tracheostomy care.

2. A 9-year-old child is brought to the clinic with a fever, rash, and swollen joints. The nurse notes that the child had a sore throat two weeks ago that was not treated. What condition should the nurse suspect?

• A. Scarlet fever
• B. Rheumatic fever
• C. Kawasaki disease
• D. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the child's symptoms of fever, rash, and swollen joints following an untreated sore throat two weeks ago are indicative of rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal infections, leading to systemic inflammation and affecting various organs, including the joints. This condition manifests with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen joints, aligning with the child's presentation in this case. Scarlet fever typically presents with a sandpapery rash and strawberry tongue but does not involve joint inflammation. Kawasaki disease presents with fever, rash, and mucous membrane changes but does not typically involve joint swelling. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint swelling but is not directly linked to a recent untreated sore throat.

3. What information should be reinforced with the parents about introducing solid foods to their infant?

• A. Begin with one tablespoon of the food.
• B. Introduce each food 4 to 7 days apart.
• C. Mix the new food with rice cereal.
• D. Remove foods when the infant refuses them.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Introducing solid foods 4 to 7 days apart is crucial as it allows time to identify any allergic reactions or intolerances to specific foods. This gradual introduction helps parents monitor their infant's response to new foods and pinpoint any potential issues, ensuring the infant's safety and well-being. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because starting with one tablespoon of the food, mixing new food with rice cereal, and removing foods when the infant refuses them are not recommended practices for introducing solid foods to infants.

4. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 or 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

• A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
• B. Diaphragmatic breathing.
• C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
• D. Flaring of the nares.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a classic sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates increased work of breathing and is a visible cue that the child is struggling to breathe. This finding should alert healthcare providers to the severity of the respiratory distress and the need for prompt intervention to support the child's breathing. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds are associated with conditions like pneumonia, but they do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic breathing is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute is within the expected range for a 4-month-old infant and does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.

5. When caring for a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, which medication should the practical nurse anticipate being administered first?

• A. Inhaled corticosteroids.
• B. Oral corticosteroids.
• C. Short-acting beta agonists.
• D. Leukotriene receptor antagonists.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the management of acute asthma exacerbations, the first-line medication for quick relief of bronchoconstriction is a short-acting beta agonist, such as albuterol. These medications help to rapidly open up the airways, providing immediate relief to the patient. Inhaled corticosteroids are more commonly used for long-term control of asthma symptoms, while oral corticosteroids and leukotriene receptor antagonists are often reserved for more severe or chronic cases. Therefore, in a child experiencing severe asthma symptoms, the practical nurse should anticipate the administration of short-acting beta agonists as the initial intervention to provide quick relief and improve breathing.

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