Nursing Elites

1. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child with an acute sickle cell pain crisis?

• A. Meperidine (Demerol)
• B. Morphine
• C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• D. Ibuprofen (Motrin)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of acute sickle cell pain crisis in children, morphine is the preferred medication due to its effectiveness in providing pain relief. Meperidine (Demerol) is less commonly used in this scenario because of its potential for neurotoxicity with repeated doses. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) are not typically sufficient for managing the severe pain associated with sickle cell crises and are not the first-line treatment options.

2. Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough in children?

• A. Asthma
• B. Bronchiolitis
• C. Croup
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. It is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, typically worse at night, caused by the inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea. Asthma (Choice A) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath rather than a barking cough. Bronchiolitis (Choice B) commonly causes wheezing and respiratory distress in infants and young children. Pneumonia (Choice D) often presents with symptoms like fever, productive cough, and chest pain, but not typically a barking cough.

3. A 6-month-old infant with Hirschsprung disease is scheduled for a temporary colostomy. What should postoperative teaching to the parents include?

• A. Dilating the stoma
• B. Assessing bowel function
• C. Limitation of physical activities
• D. Measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postoperative teaching should focus on assessing bowel function to ensure the colostomy is functioning properly. This includes monitoring stool output, color, consistency, and signs of infection or blockage. Choice A, dilating the stoma, is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance, as it can lead to complications. Choice C, limitation of physical activities, may not be as crucial immediately after colostomy creation. Choice D, measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum, is more relevant for conditions like rectal prolapse and not specifically for a colostomy.

4. In children with Type 1 diabetes, what is a common early sign of hypoglycemia?

• A. Irritability
• B. Rapid heartbeat
• C. Confusion
• D. Sweating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sweating is indeed one of the earliest signs of hypoglycemia in children with Type 1 diabetes. When blood sugar levels drop too low, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline, which can lead to sweating. While irritability, rapid heartbeat, and confusion can also be seen in hypoglycemia, sweating is particularly common as a quick indicator of low blood sugar levels in children with Type 1 diabetes.

5. Baby M is 5 months old. You notice that she now has the ability to grasp objects between her fingers and opposing thumb. This is known as:

• A. Parachute reflex
• B. Grasp reflex
• C. Pincer grasp
• D. Prehension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pincer grasp. The pincer grasp is the ability to hold objects between the thumb and another finger, typically developed around 9-12 months. At 5 months, it is early for a pincer grasp to fully develop, but the beginning of this skill can be seen as early as 5 months. Choices A and B are incorrect as the parachute reflex is a protective response to falling and the grasp reflex is an automatic response to touch. Choice D, prehension, is a general term for the act of grasping or holding objects, but it does not specifically refer to holding objects between the thumb and fingers like the pincer grasp does.

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