Nursing Elites

1. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient being started on levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) for newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease?

• A. Take medication on a full stomach
• B. Change positions slowly
• C. The drug may cause the urine to be very dilute
• D. Carbidopa has many adverse effects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postural hypotension is common early in treatment, so the patient should be instructed to change positions slowly. Administration with meals should be avoided, if possible, because food delays the absorption of the levodopa component. If the patient is experiencing side effects of nausea and vomiting, administration with food may be considered. The levodopa component may darken urine. Carbidopa has no adverse effects of its own.

2. A healthcare professional is assessing a child who has a rotavirus infection. Which of the following is an expected manifestation?

• A. Constipation
• B. Vomiting
• C. Jaundice
• D. Abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vomiting is a common manifestation of rotavirus infection in children. Rotavirus typically presents with symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Constipation, jaundice, and abdominal pain are less commonly associated with rotavirus infection in children.

3. Prior to hydrotherapy treatment for wound debridement following a burn injury, which of the following actions should be taken?

• A. Apply topical antimicrobial ointment to the child's wound
• B. Place a mesh gauze dressing over the child's wound
• C. Administer an analgesic to the child
• D. Initiate prophylactic antibiotic therapy for the child

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Prior to hydrotherapy for wound debridement, it is crucial to administer an analgesic to the preschooler. The procedure is known to be extremely painful, and providing analgesia or sedation is essential to manage the discomfort and pain experienced by the child during the treatment. Choice A is incorrect because applying topical antimicrobial ointment is not a pre-procedural requirement but rather a post-procedure wound care step. Choice B is incorrect as placing a mesh gauze dressing does not address the pain management aspect. Choice D is also incorrect as prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not the primary intervention needed before hydrotherapy for wound debridement.

4. When planning care for a pediatric client diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, what is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Impaired Gas Exchange
• B. Risk for Infection
• C. Anxiety (parental)
• D. Acute Pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis when caring for a pediatric client with bacterial meningitis is 'Impaired Gas Exchange.' This diagnosis takes precedence due to the potential for respiratory complications associated with the condition. Bacterial meningitis can lead to increased intracranial pressure, compromising the child's ability to ventilate adequately. Therefore, monitoring and addressing any signs of respiratory distress are crucial in the care of these patients.

5. When the home health nurse visits the home of a 10-month-old child, she observes the environment for risks of injury to the child. Which observation will the nurse discuss with the mother?

• A. The mother leaves the filled mop bucket on the floor while in another room.
• B. The mother turns all pan handles to the back of the stove.
• C. The mother fills the bathtub before bringing the baby into the bathroom.
• D. When riding in a car, the child is in a car seat in the middle of the back seat.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because leaving a filled mop bucket on the floor poses a drowning hazard for a 10-month-old child. Water in the bucket can be a potential drowning risk if the child falls into it. Pan handles turned to the back of the stove prevent accidental spills or burns, which is a safety measure in the kitchen. Filling the bathtub before bringing the baby into the bathroom helps in preventing burns from hot water. Placing the child in a car seat in the middle of the back seat provides safety by minimizing the risk of injury during a car ride, but it is not the most immediate risk to address in the scenario provided.

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