Nursing Elites

1. Why is the specific gravity for infants lower than for older children?

• A. Infants have a greater body surface area.
• B. Infants have a higher basal metabolic rate.
• C. Infants have a greater percentage of body weight that is water.
• D. Infants' kidneys are less able to concentrate urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because infants' kidneys are less developed compared to older children, making them less efficient at concentrating urine. This results in a lower specific gravity in infants. The other choices do not directly explain why the specific gravity is lower in infants.

2. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Hypotonic dehydration
• D. Isotonic dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is hypotonic dehydration. The combination of high hemoglobin and hematocrit with low serum sodium indicates hypotonic dehydration. In this condition, there is an excess of solutes relative to water, leading to higher red blood cell concentration (elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit) and low serum sodium levels.

3. A 9-month-old infant who is not sitting independently has been diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to see in the baby?

• A. Hypotonia and muscle instability
• B. Hypertonia and persistence of primitive reflexes
• C. Tremors and exaggerated posturing
• D. Hemiplegia and hypertonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In ataxic cerebral palsy, the characteristic features include hypotonia (low muscle tone) and muscle instability. These manifestations contribute to the infant's difficulty in achieving independent sitting. Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) and persistence of primitive reflexes, as mentioned in option B, are more commonly associated with other types of cerebral palsy like spastic CP. Tremors and exaggerated posturing (option C) are not typical features of ataxic CP. Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) and hypertonia (increased muscle tone) mentioned in option D are more commonly seen in other types of cerebral palsy, such as spastic CP.

4. How should professionals communicate with parents and family members?

• A. Share information with both parents to distribute the stress equally
• B. Share information with one parent to ensure accuracy
• C. Share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether family or not
• D. Provide information in writing exclusively to ensure clear communication

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When professionals communicate with parents and family members, it is essential to share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether they are family members or not. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone involved in the child's care and well-being is well-informed and can provide support as needed. It is important to consider the broader network of individuals who play a role in the child's life to promote comprehensive and effective communication.

5. The nurse is planning care for a school-age client who is postoperative for the surgical removal of the appendix. In addition to pharmacologic pain management, what should the nurse include in the plan of care to address pain?

• A. Applying a warm, moist pack every 4 hours
• B. Applying EMLA cream to the incision site prior to ambulation
• C. Applying a cold, moist pack every 2 hours
• D. Applying a pillow against the abdomen to splint the incision site when coughing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After an appendectomy, applying a pillow against the abdomen to splint the incision site when coughing helps reduce pain by providing support and minimizing movement that could cause discomfort.

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