Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

2. After surgery to correct hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in a 3-week-old infant who had been formula-fed, which postoperative feeding order is appropriate?

• A. Thickened formula 24 hours after surgery
• B. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours
• C. Regular formula feeding within 24 hours after surgery
• D. Additional glucose feedings as desired after the first 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in infants, it is appropriate to resume regular formula feeding within 24 hours postoperatively to support recovery. This helps maintain adequate nutrition and hydration for the infant. Choice A is incorrect because thickened formula may not be necessary and could potentially cause issues postoperatively. Choice B is incorrect as withholding feedings for the first 24 hours can lead to nutritional deficiencies and delay recovery. Choice D is inappropriate as additional glucose feedings are not typically indicated postoperatively for infants with HPS and may not provide the necessary nutrition needed for recovery.

3. A parent brings an 18-month-old toddler to the clinic. The parent states, 'My child is so difficult to please, has temper tantrums, and annoys me by throwing food from the table.' What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Toddlers need discipline to prevent the development of antisocial behaviors.”
• B. “Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.”
• C. “It is best to leave the toddler alone in the crib after calmly explaining why the behavior is unacceptable.”
• D. “This is the way a toddler expresses needs, and this behavior is acceptable during the initiative stage of development.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.' At 18 months old, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and testing boundaries. It is normal for them to exhibit behaviors such as temper tantrums and defiance as they explore their independence. Choice A is incorrect as discipline at this age is more about setting limits and providing guidance rather than preventing antisocial behaviors. Choice C is inappropriate as leaving a toddler alone in a crib after explaining unacceptable behavior is not a recommended approach for managing toddler behavior. Choice D is incorrect as the described behavior is typical of toddlers asserting independence, not related to the initiative stage of development. The best response involves acknowledging the child's developmental stage and understanding that these behaviors are part of their normal growth and development.

4. The nurse is assessing a family to determine if they have access to adequate health care. Which statement accurately describes how certain families are affected by common barriers to health care?

• A. After a decade of escalation, the percentage of children living in low-income families has been on the decline since 2000.
• B. White, non-Hispanic children overall are more likely than African American and Hispanic children to be in very good or excellent health.
• C. The proportion of children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are overweight is decreasing, but a large increase is occurring in African American females.
• D. The overall health care plan of working families may improve access to specialty care but limit access to preventive services.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer because it accurately states that White, non-Hispanic children are more likely to be in very good or excellent health compared to African American and Hispanic children. This reflects a disparity in health outcomes among different racial groups. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is unrelated to the impact of common barriers to health care on families. Choice C talks about overweight children but does not address access to health care. Choice D discusses the impact of the overall health care plan on working families but does not specifically address the disparity in health status among different racial groups.

5. A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is admitted to the hospital with a fever. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering antibiotics
• B. Administering antipyretics
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring for signs of infection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with leukemia admitted to the hospital with a fever is to monitor for signs of infection. Children with leukemia are immunocompromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection helps in early detection and timely intervention, which is crucial in preventing complications. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be necessary if an infection is suspected or confirmed, but the priority is to assess for signs of infection first. Administering antipyretics (choice B) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause, which could be an infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) is important for overall health but is not the priority when a child with leukemia presents with a fever, as infection needs to be ruled out or managed first.

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