Nursing Elites

1. What is the most common cause of shock (hypoperfusion) in infants and children?

• A. infection
• B. cardiac failure
• C. accidental poisoning
• D. severe allergic reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the leading cause of shock in infants and children due to their heightened vulnerability to sepsis. Infants and children possess developing immune systems, rendering them more susceptible to infections that can progress to septic shock. While cardiac failure is a severe condition, it is not as commonly the primary cause of shock in this age group. Accidental poisoning, though a potential shock inducer, is less prevalent in infants and children compared to infections. Severe allergic reactions, though significant, are not as frequent as infections in precipitating shock in infants and children.

2. A child with sickle cell anemia develops severe chest pain, fever, a cough, and dyspnea. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer 100% oxygen to relieve hypoxia
• B. Administer pain medication to relieve symptoms
• C. Notify the practitioner because chest syndrome is suspected
• D. Notify the practitioner because the child may be having a stroke

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action to take first when a child with sickle cell anemia presents with severe chest pain, fever, cough, and dyspnea is to notify the practitioner because acute chest syndrome is suspected. This condition is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention. Administering oxygen or pain medication may be necessary interventions but should not precede notifying the practitioner. Stroke is not typically associated with these symptoms in sickle cell anemia.

3. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

• A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
• B. Reflective of neurologic damage
• C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
• D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

4. When caring for a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pain medication
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with sickle cell anemia is administering pain medication. Pain management is crucial in sickle cell anemia due to vaso-occlusive crises that can cause severe pain. While ensuring adequate hydration, providing nutritional support, and monitoring vital signs are important aspects of care for a child with sickle cell anemia, addressing the pain with appropriate medication takes precedence to alleviate the child's suffering and improve their quality of life.

5. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is experiencing a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Monitoring fluid intake
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering pain medication is the most crucial nursing intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia. Pain management is a priority to alleviate the patient's discomfort and improve outcomes. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases but is not the primary intervention for vaso-occlusive crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the priority during a crisis situation. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

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