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. An eleven-year-old boy is admitted with a history of type 1 diabetes. What information about school age should the nurse use to formulate the teaching plan for daily injections?

• A. The parents do not need to learn the procedure.
• B. The child is old enough to give most of his injections.
• C. Self-injections will be possible when he is closer to adolescence.
• D. The child can learn about self-injections when he is able to reach all injection sites.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: By the age of eleven, many children are capable of administering their own insulin injections with supervision, fostering independence and better management of their diabetes. This age is appropriate for the child to take on more responsibility for their care. While parental involvement is still crucial for supervision and guidance, the child can start to learn and perform the injections themselves. Choice A is incorrect because parental involvement is important for safety and proper technique. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until closer to adolescence may delay the child's ability to manage their diabetes effectively. Choice D is incorrect as reaching injection sites is not the sole criteria; proper technique and supervision are essential.

3. The nurse is discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a 17-year-old student. Which cognitive development theory should the teaching plan be based on?

• A. Sensorimotor reactions
• B. Limited cause and effect understanding
• C. Abstract thinking
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Abstract thinking.' According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, adolescents, typically around the age of 12 and older, enter the formal operational stage where they can think abstractly and reason about hypothetical situations. When discussing complex topics like STIs with a 17-year-old student, it is essential to base the teaching plan on abstract thinking. Choice A, 'Sensorimotor reactions,' is incorrect as it pertains to the earliest stage in Piaget's theory (birth to 2 years old) focusing on sensory experiences and physical interactions. Choice B, 'Limited cause and effect understanding,' does not align with the cognitive abilities of a 17-year-old who is capable of more advanced thinking. Choice D, 'Concrete thinking,' is also incorrect as it refers to the stage before formal operations, where individuals think more concretely and struggle with abstract concepts.

4. The nurse is discussing growth and development with a group of parents. What should the nurse say about developmental milestones?

• A. Increase in body size.
• B. Age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain time.
• C. The direction of growth.
• D. Refers to the age group of children.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Age-specific tasks that most children can do at a certain time." Developmental milestones are specific tasks or abilities that most children can achieve at a certain age range. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because developmental milestones are not just about increase in body size, the direction of growth, or the age group of children. They are more focused on the expected tasks and skills children can accomplish at particular ages.

5. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a 'machine-like' murmur in children?

• A. Patent ductus arteriosus
• B. Ventricular septal defect
• C. Atrial septal defect
• D. Coarctation of the aorta

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Patent ductus arteriosus. This condition is characterized by a continuous 'machine-like' murmur due to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Ventricular septal defect (choice B) is characterized by a harsh holosystolic murmur, atrial septal defect (choice C) typically presents with a fixed split S2 and a pulmonary flow murmur, and coarctation of the aorta (choice D) is associated with a systolic murmur in the back and bilateral lower extremities.

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