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. During a vaccination drive at a well-child clinic, a nurse observes that a recently hired nurse is not wearing gloves. What should the nurse advise the newly hired nurse to do?

• A. Speak with the nurse manager regarding techniques.
• B. Put on gloves because standard precautions are required.
• C. Continue with the immunizations because gloves are not needed.
• D. Evaluate the child’s appearance to determine whether gloves are needed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Put on gloves because standard precautions are required. Standard precautions, which include wearing gloves, are crucial in preventing the transmission of infections during immunization. Choice A is incorrect because the immediate action should be to address the lack of gloves. Choice C is incorrect as gloves are necessary for infection control. Choice D is incorrect as gloves should be worn as a standard preventive measure, regardless of the child's appearance.

3. A parent of a 2-year-old child tells a nurse at the clinic, 'Whenever I go to the store, my child has a screaming tantrum, demanding a toy or candy on the shelves. How can I deal with this situation?' What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Attempt to distract the child by offering a toy.”
• B. “Say nothing and allow the tantrum to continue until it ends.”
• C. “Have a babysitter stay with the child at home until the child outgrows this behavior.”
• D. “Give the child the item while in the store, and when the child loses interest, return the item to the shelf.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best approach in dealing with a child's tantrum is to not give in to their demands. By allowing the tantrum to continue until it ends, the child learns that this behavior is not effective in getting what they want. Offering a distraction (Choice A) might temporarily calm the child but does not address the underlying issue of the tantrum. Leaving the child with a babysitter (Choice C) does not teach the child how to handle such situations. Giving in to the child's demands (Choice D) reinforces the tantrum behavior.

4. A nurse is caring for an infant born with exstrophy of the bladder. What does the nurse determine is the greatest risk for this infant?

• A. Infection
• B. Dehydration
• C. Urinary retention
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the greatest risk for an infant with exstrophy of the bladder due to the exposure of the bladder and surrounding tissues. The exposed bladder increases the risk of infection as it lacks the protective covering of the skin. Dehydration (Choice B) may occur but is not the greatest risk compared to infection. Urinary retention (Choice C) is less likely due to the nature of the condition. Intestinal obstruction (Choice D) is not directly associated with exstrophy of the bladder.

5. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation between acyanotic and cyanotic defects. Choice A is incorrect because the system is not solely based on explaining hemodynamics. Choice B is incorrect because the classification is not based on the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects. Choice C is incorrect because cyanosis can indeed be present in children with congenital heart defects, especially acyanotic defects that may lead to cyanosis under certain circumstances.

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