Nursing Elites

1. While assessing the vital signs of a 10-year-old who underwent a tonsillectomy this morning, the nurse observes the child swallowing every 2-3 minutes. Which assessment should the nurse implement?

• A. Inspect the posterior oropharynx
• B. Assess for teeth clenching or grinding
• C. Touch the tonsillar pillars to stimulate the gag reflex
• D. Ask the child to speak to evaluate a change in voice tone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Frequent swallowing post-tonsillectomy may indicate bleeding. Inspecting the posterior oropharynx is essential to assess for any signs of bleeding, such as fresh blood or clots, which may necessitate immediate intervention. Option B is incorrect as teeth clenching or grinding is not directly related to the observation of frequent swallowing in this scenario. Option C is incorrect because stimulating the gag reflex is not necessary at this point and may be uncomfortable for the child. Option D is incorrect as evaluating a change in voice tone is not relevant to the situation of observing frequent swallowing.

2. A 3-year-old with HIV infection is staying with a foster family who is caring for 3 other foster children in their home. When one of the children acquires pertussis, the foster mother calls the clinic and asks the nurse what she should do. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Remove the child with HIV from the foster home.
• B. Report the exposure of the child with HIV to the health department.
• C. Place the child with HIV in reverse isolation.
• D. Review the immunization documentation of the child with HIV.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to review the immunization documentation of the child with HIV. This step ensures that the child has received the necessary vaccines to protect against pertussis and other preventable diseases. It is essential to verify the immunization status to provide appropriate care and prevent further transmission of infectious diseases within the foster home. Removing the child from the foster home (Choice A) may not be necessary if the child is adequately protected through immunization. Reporting the exposure to the health department (Choice B) is important but not the first action. Placing the child in reverse isolation (Choice C) is not indicated for pertussis exposure.

3. What is the priority action for a 2-year-old child with croup presenting with a barking cough and stridor?

• A. Administer a corticosteroid
• B. Obtain a throat culture
• C. Administer nebulized epinephrine
• D. Place the child in an upright position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority action for a 2-year-old child with croup and stridor is to administer nebulized epinephrine. Nebulized epinephrine helps reduce airway swelling, alleviate symptoms, and improve breathing by causing vasoconstriction and reducing upper airway edema. Administering a corticosteroid may be done but is not the priority in this scenario. Obtaining a throat culture is not necessary for the immediate management of croup. Placing the child in an upright position can aid in breathing but is not the priority action when the child is presenting with stridor.

4. The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old child who is brought to the clinic for a routine checkup. The child’s parent reports that the child has been more irritable and less active over the past week. The nurse notes a petechial rash on the child’s trunk and extremities. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ask the parent about recent exposure to contagious diseases
• B. Review the child’s immunization record
• C. Measure the child’s temperature
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the child's presentation with irritability, decreased activity, and a petechial rash raises concern for a serious condition like meningitis. Petechial rash can be indicative of meningitis or other critical illnesses. Therefore, the nurse's priority should be to notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure prompt evaluation and appropriate management. Asking about recent exposure to contagious diseases may be relevant later but is not the most urgent action. Reviewing the child's immunization record and measuring the temperature can provide valuable information but should not take precedence over the need to address the potential serious condition indicated by the petechial rash.

5. The caregiver is being educated by a healthcare provider about the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for their 8-year-old child with asthma. Which statement by the caregiver indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will shake the inhaler before each use
• B. My child should breathe in quickly after pressing the inhaler
• C. I should wait a minute between puffs
• D. We should use a spacer with the inhaler

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The caregiver should be informed that the child should breathe in slowly and deeply after pressing the inhaler. This allows for better medication delivery to the lungs and ensures optimal effectiveness of the treatment.

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