Nursing Elites

1. You are developing a plan of care for a hospitalized child. Which age group is most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds?

• A. Adolescence
• B. Preschool age
• C. Infancy
• D. School age

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preschool-aged children often engage in magical thinking, where they may believe that illness is a punishment for misdeeds. This belief is related to their cognitive development stage, where they may attribute cause and effect in a magical or unrealistic way. Adolescents are more likely to view illness as a disruption to their sense of independence or control. Infants lack the cognitive development to associate illness with punishment for misdeeds. School-aged children typically have a more concrete understanding of illness and its causes, moving away from magical thinking.

2. An intravenous line is needed in a school-age child. What medication is an appropriate analgesic for use with this patient?

• A. TAC (tetracaine, epinephrine [Adrenalin], cocaine) 15 minutes before the procedure.
• B. A transdermal fentanyl (Duragesic) patch at the site of venipuncture.
• C. EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) immediately before the procedure.
• D. LMX (4% liposomal lidocaine cream) 30 minutes before the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: LMX is an effective analgesic agent when applied to the skin 30 minutes before a procedure. It eliminates or reduces the pain from most procedures involving skin puncture. TAC provides skin anesthesia about 15 minutes after application to nonintact skin, making it more suitable for wound suturing. Transdermal fentanyl patches are designed for continuous pain control, not rapid pain control needed for a procedure like venipuncture. EMLA, for maximum effectiveness, must be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure, making it less suitable for immediate pain relief required for intravenous line placement.

3. What laboratory finding, in conjunction with the presenting symptoms, indicates minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Low specific gravity
• B. Decreased hemoglobin
• C. Normal platelet count
• D. Reduced serum albumin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Reduced serum albumin is a hallmark of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) due to massive proteinuria. This results in hypoalbuminemia, which contributes to the edema characteristic of this condition.

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. Superficial palpation of the abdomen is often perceived by the child as tickling. Which measure by the nurse is most likely to minimize this sensation and promote relaxation?

• A. Palpate another area simultaneously
• B. Ask the child not to laugh or move
• C. Begin with deeper palpation and gradually progress to superficial palpation
• D. Have the child help with palpation by placing his or her hand over the palpating hand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the child to place their hand over the nurse's hand helps reduce the tickling sensation and increases the child's comfort during the examination.

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