Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

2. The nurse is admitting a child with severe isotonic dehydration. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate the doctor to order initially to replace fluids?

• A. 0.9% normal saline
• B. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline
• C. D5W
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of severe isotonic dehydration, the initial fluid of choice is 0.9% normal saline. This solution is preferred because it helps to restore both fluids and electrolytes effectively. Options B, C, and D are not suitable for the initial management of severe isotonic dehydration. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline (Choice B) is a hypotonic solution and might worsen the imbalance. D5W (Choice C) is a hypotonic solution that does not contain electrolytes essential for rehydration. Albumin (Choice D) is a colloid solution used for specific indications like hypoproteinemia or hypoalbuminemia, not for initial rehydration in severe dehydration.

3. A 13-year-old boy comes to the school nurse complaining of sudden and severe scrotal pain. He denies any trauma to the scrotum. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Refer him for immediate medical evaluation
• B. Administer analgesics and recommend scrotal support.
• C. Apply an ice bag and observe for increasing pain.
• D. Reassure the adolescent that occasional pain is common with the changes of puberty.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sudden and severe scrotal pain in an adolescent male is a medical emergency and may indicate testicular torsion, which requires immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent testicular loss.

4. The nurse is providing education to the parent of a child with Beta-thalassemia. Which risk factors about the condition should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Hypertrophy of the thyroid
• B. Polycythemia vera
• C. Thrombocytopenia
• D. Chronic hypoxia and iron overload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic hypoxia and iron overload. Children with Beta-thalassemia often suffer from chronic hypoxia due to ineffective erythropoiesis and require frequent blood transfusions, leading to iron overload. These complications must be managed to prevent organ damage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Hypertrophy of the thyroid, polycythemia vera, and thrombocytopenia are not direct risk factors associated with Beta-thalassemia. Therefore, they should not be included in the teaching regarding this condition.

5. The nurse's approach when introducing hospital equipment to a preschooler who seems afraid should be based on which principle?

• A. The child may think the equipment is alive.
• B. Explaining the equipment will only increase the child’s fear
• C. One brief explanation will be enough to reduce the child’s fear
• D. The child is too young to understand what the equipment does

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Preschoolers may engage in magical thinking and believe inanimate objects are alive, so the nurse should explain the equipment in a way that reduces fear.

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