Nursing Elites

1. Which laboratory value at the time of diagnosis should the nurse anticipate would determine the worst prognosis for a child with leukemia?

• A. Slow response to chemotherapy
• B. Platelets of 150,000/mcL
• C. Leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL
• D. Leukocytes of 275,000/mcL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A high white blood cell count (leukocytes of 275,000/mcL) at diagnosis is associated with a worse prognosis in leukemia because it indicates a more aggressive disease with a higher tumor burden. Slow response to chemotherapy (choice A) is a consequence of the aggressive disease and not a determining factor at diagnosis. Platelets of 150,000/mcL (choice B) and leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL (choice C) are within normal ranges and not indicative of a worse prognosis in leukemia.

2. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

3. A child has a central venous access device for intravenous (IV) fluid administration. A blood sample is needed for a complete blood count, hemogram, and electrolytes. What is the appropriate procedure to implement for this blood sample?

• A. Perform a new venipuncture to obtain the blood sample.
• B. Interrupt the IV fluid and withdraw the blood sample needed.
• C. Withdraw a blood sample equal to the amount of fluid in the device, discard, and then withdraw the sample needed.
• D. Flush the line and central venous device with saline and then aspirate the required amount of blood for the sample.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Withdrawing and discarding a sample equal to the amount of fluid in the device ensures that the blood drawn is not diluted by the IV fluids, providing accurate lab results.

4. A child has a planned hospitalization in a few weeks, and the client and family appear very stressed. Which nursing action will minimize their stress?

• A. Telling the client and family that everything will be fine
• B. Explaining how the child will benefit from the surgery
• C. Telling the client and family that the surgeon is very good
• D. Giving a tour of the hospital unit or surgical area

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct nursing action to minimize the stress of the child and family is giving a tour of the hospital unit or surgical area. Familiarizing them with the hospital environment can help reduce their anxiety by allowing them to see where the child will be staying and the surroundings. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the need to reduce stress by providing a tangible way to alleviate anxiety through exposure to the hospital setting.

5. A teen with asthma asks the nurse why it is hard to breathe during an asthma attack. The nurse explains that exposure to a “trigger” results in which of these manifestations?

• A. Bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production
• B. Air trapping and hypo-inflation of the alveoli
• C. Air trapping and decreased blood flow to the upper airway
• D. Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and excess mucus production

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asthma triggers cause bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production, leading to difficulty breathing. This combination of manifestations results in narrowing of the airways, making it hard for the individual to breathe effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because during an asthma attack, bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production do not occur. Instead, the airways constrict, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus, contributing to the breathing difficulties experienced by individuals with asthma.

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