Nursing Elites

1. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

• A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
• B. Reflective of neurologic damage
• C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
• D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

2. When teaching a class of new parents about positioning their infants during the first few weeks of life, which position is safest?

• A. On the back, lying flat
• B. On either side, lying flat
• C. Head slightly elevated on the left side
• D. Head slightly elevated on the right side

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'On the back, lying flat'. Placing infants on their back to sleep is recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This position helps ensure the baby's airway remains clear and reduces the likelihood of suffocation. Choices B, C, and D are not as safe as placing the infant on their back, as they may increase the risk of accidental suffocation or SIDS.

3. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

4. When caring for an alert 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color, what should be included?

• A. Back blows, abdominal thrusts, transport
• B. Oxygen, avoiding agitation, transport
• C. Assisting ventilations, back blows, transport
• D. Chest thrusts, finger sweeps, transport

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for a child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, and normal skin color includes providing oxygen to support breathing, avoiding agitation that could worsen the situation, and arranging for transport to a healthcare facility. Option A is incorrect because abdominal thrusts are not recommended in a mild airway obstruction scenario, and back blows are typically used for choking. Option C is incorrect because assisting ventilations may not be necessary in a child with a strong cough and normal skin color. Option D is incorrect because chest thrusts are not recommended for a mild airway obstruction, and finger sweeps are used for foreign body airway obstructions.

5. While waiting for the administration of air pressure to reduce the intussusception, the boy passes a normal brown stool. Which nursing action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. notify the practitioner
• B. measure abdominal girth
• C. auscultate for bowel sounds
• D. take vital signs, including blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to notify the practitioner. The passage of a normal brown stool in a child with intussusception could indicate spontaneous reduction of the intussusception. It is crucial to inform the practitioner immediately so that they can reassess the situation and determine the next steps, which may include adjusting the planned intervention. Measuring abdominal girth (choice B) may be important in assessing for abdominal distension but is not the most immediate action required in this scenario. Auscultating for bowel sounds (choice C) is a routine nursing assessment but does not take precedence over notifying the practitioner in this critical situation. Taking vital signs, including blood pressure (choice D), is also important but notifying the practitioner is more urgent to address the unexpected change in the patient's condition.

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