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. In planning care for children, the nurse considers children’s anxiety about hospitalization. Which measure should be included in the child’s plan of care to help reduce anxiety?

• A. Therapeutic play
• B. Time-out
• C. Counseling
• D. Movies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Therapeutic play should be included in the child’s plan of care to help reduce anxiety during hospitalization. It is an effective strategy that allows children to express their feelings, understand procedures, and reduce anxiety levels. Time-out (choice B) is not suitable for addressing anxiety related to hospitalization. Counseling (choice C) may be beneficial but is not as specifically tailored to reduce anxiety in the hospital setting as therapeutic play. Movies (choice D) may provide a temporary distraction but do not actively involve the child in addressing their emotions and fears associated with hospitalization.

3. During a routine health assessment, the nurse notes that an 8-month-old infant has a significant head lag. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Recheck head control at the next visit
• B. Teach the parents appropriate exercises
• C. Schedule the child for further evaluation
• D. Refer the child for further evaluation if the anterior fontanel is still open

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Significant head lag at 8 months is concerning and warrants further evaluation, as it may indicate developmental delays or neurological issues.

4. What is the primary treatment goal for a child with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Reduce proteinuria
• B. Lower blood pressure
• C. Increase urine output
• D. Prevent infections

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reduce proteinuria. In nephrotic syndrome, the primary treatment goal is to reduce proteinuria to prevent further kidney damage. Lowering blood pressure (choice B) is important in managing some types of kidney disease but is not the primary treatment goal in nephrotic syndrome. Increasing urine output (choice C) and preventing infections (choice D) are important aspects of supportive care but are not the primary treatment goal for nephrotic syndrome.

5. The nurse is caring postoperatively for an 8-year-old child with multiple fractures and other traumatic injuries from a motor vehicle crash. The child is experiencing severe pain. What is an important consideration in managing the child’s pain?

• A. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time.
• B. Increase the dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated.
• C. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock.
• D. Give the child a clock and explain when they can have pain medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around-the-clock schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. Providing only an opioid analgesic at this time may not be sufficient for effective pain management. Increasing the dosage without an order is unsafe and may lead to oversedation. Planning a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock ensures consistent pain relief and better management. Giving the child a clock and explaining when they can have pain medications may increase the child's focus on waiting for relief rather than addressing the pain promptly, making it a less effective strategy.

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