Nursing Elites

1. While making rounds, the nurse observes the following client behaviors. Which child should the nurse further evaluate for postoperative pain?

• A. The 6-month-old in deep sleep
• B. The 2-year-old who is cooperative when the nurse takes vital signs
• C. The 4-year-old who is actively watching cartoons
• D. The 14-month-old who is screaming and thrashing his arms and legs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because screaming and thrashing his arms and legs are indicative behaviors of discomfort or pain in young children. The child's actions suggest a higher likelihood of experiencing postoperative pain and necessitate further evaluation. Choices A, B, and C do not exhibit overt signs of distress or discomfort associated with pain, making them less likely candidates for postoperative pain assessment.

2. Which nursing action is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child?

• A. Providing brochures regarding sexuality
• B. Giving clear instructions about details of treatment
• C. Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure
• D. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child. Allowing the child to familiarize themselves with the equipment helps reduce fear and anxiety about the upcoming procedure. Choices A, B, and D are not as appropriate for a school-age child. Providing brochures regarding sexuality is not developmentally appropriate for this age group. Giving clear instructions about treatment details may overwhelm a child of this age. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure is more suitable for younger children.

3. What approach is the most appropriate when performing a physical assessment on a toddler?

• A. Demonstrate the use of equipment
• B. Perform traumatic procedures last
• C. Use minimum physical contact initially
• D. Always proceed systematically in a head-to-toe direction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate approach when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimum physical contact initially. This helps gain the toddler's cooperation and reduces their distress. Performing traumatic procedures last is crucial as they are likely to upset the child and should be handled with care. Demonstrating the use of equipment may be complex for toddlers to understand, so it is not the most appropriate initial approach. Proceeding systematically in a head-to-toe direction is a good practice but using minimum physical contact initially is more important to establish trust and cooperation with the toddler.

4. A 10-month-old infant is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux. An esophageal (pH) probe monitor is ordered. What explanation for the purpose of the esophageal probe should the nurse provide to the parents?

• A. Assist in the passage of formula through the esophagus
• B. Identify the number of reflux episodes that are occurring
• C. Determine the time it takes for the stomach to empty its contents
• D. Monitor the pH within the stomach

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The esophageal pH probe is used to identify the frequency and severity of reflux episodes by measuring the pH in the esophagus. Choice A is incorrect because the probe does not assist in the passage of formula through the esophagus. Choice C is incorrect as determining the time it takes for the stomach to empty its contents would require a different procedure. Choice D is incorrect as the esophageal pH probe monitors the pH in the esophagus, not the stomach.

5. Which condition is most commonly associated with a 'sunset sign' in infants?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Encephalitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'sunset sign,' characterized by downward-driven eyes, is most commonly associated with hydrocephalus. This condition causes increased intracranial pressure, leading to the eyes appearing to be forced downward. Meningitis (choice B) typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, but not the 'sunset sign.' Cerebral palsy (choice C) is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, not directly related to the 'sunset sign.' Encephalitis (choice D) is inflammation of the brain, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and confusion, but not the specific downward eye gaze seen in the 'sunset sign.'

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