Nursing Elites

1. Which laboratory test would be most important for the nurse to assess when caring for a toddler suspected of having cystic fibrosis?

• A. Liver enzymes
• B. Serum calcium
• C. Sweat chloride test
• D. Urine creatinine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sweat chloride test is the primary diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across epithelial cell membranes, leading to increased chloride in sweat. This test is crucial for diagnosing cystic fibrosis in suspected cases. Liver enzymes (Choice A), serum calcium (Choice B), and urine creatinine (Choice D) are not specific tests for cystic fibrosis and would not provide the necessary information for diagnosis in this case.

2. A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. How should the nurse prepare this child?

• A. It is unnecessary because of child’s age.
• B. It is essential because it will be an adjustment.
• C. Preparation is not needed because the colostomy is temporary.
• D. Preparation is important because the child needs to deal with negative body image.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preparation is essential even for a young child, as they need to adjust to the temporary colostomy and understand the changes to their body, which can be confusing and distressing without proper explanation.

3. What time frame has the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that pregnant adolescents and women who are not protected against pertussis receive the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine?

• A. Between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation or postpartum before discharge from the hospital
• B. During the first prenatal visit when pregnancy is confirmed
• C. The vaccine should be administered 24 hours prior to delivery
• D. This vaccine is only recommended during the first trimester

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that pregnant adolescents and women without protection against pertussis should receive the Tdap vaccine ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation or postpartum before discharge from the hospital. This timeframe allows for the development of antibodies in the mother to protect her and provide passive immunity to the infant. Administering the vaccine during the first trimester (Choice D) is not recommended as the optimal time is between 27 and 36 weeks. Choice B, during the first prenatal visit, is too early for optimal protection, and Choice C, 24 hours prior to delivery, does not provide enough time for the vaccine to be effective before birth.

4. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

5. When assessing an infant with intussusception, what type of stool would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Soft, seedy stool
• B. Currant-jelly stool
• C. Ribbon-like stool
• D. Soft and pasty stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Currant-jelly stool. This type of stool, which is red and mucous-like, is a classic sign of intussusception in infants. Choice A (Soft, seedy stool) is incorrect as it does not specifically describe the characteristic stool associated with intussusception. Choice C (Ribbon-like stool) is incorrect; ribbon-like stool may be seen in conditions like colon cancer, not intussusception. Choice D (Soft and pasty stool) is also incorrect as it does not match the typical stool finding in intussusception.

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