Nursing Elites

1. You are called to a residence for a 'sick' 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of

• A. 100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and rapid transport
• B. positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device and rapid transport
• C. chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport
• D. back blows and chest thrusts while attempting artificial ventilations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 5-year-old child who is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the priority is to initiate chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These vital interventions are crucial in cases of severe respiratory and cardiovascular compromise. Choice A is incorrect because administering 100% oxygen alone may not address the underlying issues of inadequate ventilation and circulatory support. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this scenario; chest compressions should precede positive pressure ventilations. Choice D is incorrect as back blows and chest thrusts are indicated in choking emergencies, not in this case of respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.

2. When counseling a couple who suspect they could have a child with a genetic abnormality, what would be most important for the nurse to incorporate into the plan of care when working with this family?

• A. Gathering information from at least three generations
• B. Informing the family of the need for a wide range of information
• C. Maintaining the confidentiality of the information
• D. Presenting the information in a nondirective manner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When counseling a couple about the possibility of having a child with a genetic abnormality, it is vital for the nurse to present information in a nondirective manner. This approach empowers the couple to make decisions based on their values and preferences, respecting their autonomy. Gathering information from three generations (Choice A) may not be necessary and might overwhelm the couple with unnecessary data. Informing the family about the need for a wide range of information (Choice B) is not as critical as supporting their decision-making process through a nondirective approach. While maintaining confidentiality (Choice C) is crucial, it is not the most important aspect compared to ensuring the couple can make informed choices that align with their beliefs and wishes.

3. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being treated with corticosteroids. What is an important nursing consideration?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor blood pressure
• C. Monitor for hyperglycemia
• D. Monitor for hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child with nephrotic syndrome is undergoing treatment with corticosteroids, it is crucial to monitor for signs of infection. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, increasing the child's susceptibility to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection allows for early detection and prompt intervention, reducing the risk of complications. While monitoring blood pressure (choice B) is important in nephrotic syndrome, it is not the most immediate concern when the child is on corticosteroids. Monitoring for hyperglycemia (choice C) is relevant in corticosteroid therapy, but the priority in this scenario is to watch for signs of infection. Monitoring for hypertension (choice D) is important in nephrotic syndrome but is not the most critical consideration when the child is on corticosteroids.

4. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is under the care of a nurse. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Encouraging physical activity
• D. Encouraging frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a child with cystic fibrosis is administering pancreatic enzymes. This is crucial for managing the condition as it helps in proper digestion of nutrients. Providing respiratory therapy and encouraging physical activity are important aspects of care for cystic fibrosis, but administering pancreatic enzymes takes precedence due to its direct impact on the child's ability to digest and absorb essential nutrients. Encouraging frequent handwashing is a good practice for infection control but is not the priority intervention in this scenario.

5. A family has decided to withhold “extraordinary care” for a newborn with severe abnormalities. How should the nurse interpret this decision?

• A. The newborn has no rights.
• B. It is the same as euthanasia.
• C. It is illegal professional practice.
• D. The newborn is being allowed to die.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Withholding extraordinary care in cases of severe abnormalities is a legal and ethical decision. It allows the newborn to die naturally without aggressive interventions. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights. Choice B is incorrect because withholding extraordinary care is not equivalent to euthanasia, which involves actively ending a life. Choice C is incorrect because such decisions are legally and ethically permissible when made in consideration of the best interests of the newborn.

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