Nursing Elites

1. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

• A. High serum pH
• B. Normal serum pH
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

2. Which pediatric condition is characterized by a "string sign" on an upper GI series?

• A. Intussusception
• B. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
• C. Hirschsprung disease
• D. Meckel diverticulum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The "string sign" is associated with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a condition where the pyloric canal is narrowed, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. Intussusception (choice A) typically presents with colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Hirschsprung disease (choice C) is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon. Meckel diverticulum (choice D) is a congenital outpouching of the small intestine that can present with painless rectal bleeding.

3. What term is appropriate terminology to use for an infant whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth charts?

• A. Postterm
• B. Postmature
• C. Low birth weight
• D. Small for gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Small for gestational age.' A small for gestational age, or small-for-date, infant is any child whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth curves. Choices A and B, 'Postterm' and 'Postmature,' refer to infants born after 42 weeks of gestational age regardless of birth weight, and do not specifically address growth rate. Choice C, 'Low birth weight,' refers to infants with a birth weight less than 2500 g (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age, which is a different classification compared to being small for gestational age.

4. During examination of a toddler's extremities, the nurse notes that the child is bowlegged. The nurse should recognize that this finding is which?

• A. Abnormal and requires further investigation
• B. Abnormal unless it occurs in conjunction with knock-knee
• C. Normal if the condition is unilateral or asymmetric
• D. Normal because the lower back and leg muscles are not yet well developed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bowleggedness is normal in toddlers due to the development of lower back and leg muscles. It usually resolves as the child grows.

5. A preschooler pretending to do the dishes like her mother is an example of:

• A. Domestic mimicry
• B. Artificialism
• C. Magical thinking
• D. Centering

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Domestic mimicry is the correct answer. It refers to children imitating household activities they observe, aiding in their cognitive and social development. By engaging in such play, children understand and interact with the world around them. Choice B, 'Artificialism,' is incorrect as it pertains to the belief that environmental characteristics are created by human beings. Choice C, 'Magical thinking,' involves children believing in unrealistic events or powers. Choice D, 'Centering,' refers to a child focusing on only one aspect of a situation and not considering other viewpoints.

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