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. After surgery to correct hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in a 3-week-old infant who had been formula-fed, which postoperative feeding order is appropriate?

• A. Thickened formula 24 hours after surgery
• B. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours
• C. Regular formula feeding within 24 hours after surgery
• D. Additional glucose feedings as desired after the first 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), it is appropriate to resume regular formula feeding within 24 hours postoperatively to promote recovery. Choice A, thickened formula after surgery, may be too heavy for the infant's digestive system at this early stage. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours (Choice B) is not recommended as early feeding helps with recovery. Additional glucose feedings (Choice D) are not necessary and may not provide the balanced nutrition required after surgery.

3. A home care nurse is visiting a family for the first time. The 4-week-old infant had surgery for exstrophy of the bladder and creation of an ileal conduit soon after birth. When the nurse arrives, the mother appears tired, and the baby is crying. After an introduction, which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

• A. “Tell me about your daily routine.”
• B. “You look tired. Is everything alright?”
• C. “When was the last time the baby had a bottle?”
• D. “Oh, it looks like you two are having a bad day.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asking about the daily routine is the most appropriate statement by the nurse in this scenario. It allows the nurse to gather important information about the family's schedule, feeding patterns, and overall care routine for the infant. This open-ended question helps the nurse assess the family's situation comprehensively and identify any areas where support may be needed. Choices B, C, and D are less appropriate as they do not focus on gathering relevant information about the family's routine and needs but rather make assumptions or ask about specific isolated events.

4. When caring for a child diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pain medication
• B. Ensuring adequate hydration
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with sickle cell anemia is administering pain medication. Pain management is crucial in sickle cell anemia due to vaso-occlusive crises that can cause severe pain. While ensuring adequate hydration, providing nutritional support, and monitoring vital signs are important aspects of care for a child with sickle cell anemia, addressing the pain with appropriate medication takes precedence to alleviate the child's suffering and improve their quality of life.

5. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). What would the nurse interpret as indicative of this disorder?

• A. Shortened prothrombin time
• B. Increased fibrinogen level
• C. Positive fibrin split products
• D. Increased platelets

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Positive fibrin split products are indicative of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). In DIC, there is widespread clotting and subsequent consumption of clotting factors, leading to the formation of fibrin split products. A shortened prothrombin time (Choice A) is not typically seen in DIC as it indicates faster clotting, which is opposite to the pathophysiology of DIC. An increased fibrinogen level (Choice B) may be observed in the early stages of DIC due to the compensatory increase in production, but it is not a definitive indicator. Increased platelets (Choice D) may be seen in the early stages of DIC due to the body's attempt to compensate for clot formation, but it is not a specific finding for DIC.

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