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. When assessing a child with suspected meningitis, which finding is a characteristic sign of meningitis?

• A. High-pitched cry
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Photophobia
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Photophobia, which is sensitivity to light, is a characteristic sign of meningitis in children. It commonly presents along with symptoms such as headache and neck stiffness. This symptom is important to recognize early for prompt diagnosis and treatment of meningitis.

3. A 10-year-old child is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value should the practical nurse (PN) anticipate?

• A. Elevated blood glucose.
• B. Decreased serum ketones.
• C. Low urine glucose.
• D. High bicarbonate levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a case of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the primary feature is elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency. Additionally, ketones are increased in the blood and urine. Bicarbonate levels are usually low because of the metabolic acidosis that accompanies DKA. Therefore, the practical nurse should anticipate elevated blood glucose levels as a characteristic laboratory finding in a child admitted with DKA. Choice B is incorrect because serum ketones are increased in DKA. Choice C is incorrect because in DKA, urine glucose is typically high due to spillage of glucose into the urine. Choice D is incorrect because bicarbonate levels are usually low in DKA, not high.

4. The healthcare provider finds a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the infant is still not breathing, which action should the provider take?

• A. Palpate femoral pulse and check for regularity.
• B. Deliver cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths.
• C. Give two breaths that make the chest rise.
• D. Feel the carotid pulse and check for adequate breathing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric basic life support, for an unresponsive infant who is not breathing normally, the correct action is to give two breaths that make the chest rise. This helps provide oxygen to the infant's body and is a crucial step in resuscitation efforts for infants in distress. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Palpating the femoral pulse or feeling the carotid pulse is not indicated in this scenario where the infant is unresponsive and not breathing. Delivering cycles of chest compressions and breaths is not the immediate action to take; the priority is to provide two breaths to help with oxygenation.

5. In a 6-year-old child with asthma experiencing difficulty breathing and using accessory muscles to breathe with a peak flow reading in the red zone, what should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer a nebulized bronchodilator
• B. Obtain an arterial blood gas
• C. Start the child on oxygen therapy
• D. Contact the healthcare provider

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a 6-year-old child with asthma who is experiencing difficulty breathing, using accessory muscles to breathe, and has a peak flow reading in the red zone is to administer a nebulized bronchodilator first. Nebulized bronchodilators work rapidly to open up the airways, providing immediate relief and improving breathing. This intervention is crucial in addressing the acute respiratory distress the child is facing. Obtaining an arterial blood gas, starting oxygen therapy, or contacting the healthcare provider can be considered after the initial administration of the bronchodilator, as they are not the primary interventions needed to manage the child's acute respiratory distress.

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