A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?
- A. Acidosis
- B. Alkalosis
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.
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The healthcare professional is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the healthcare professional this child may have a genetic disorder?
- A. Inquiry reveals the child had feeding problems.
- B. The child weighs 40 lb (18.2 kg) and is 40 in (101.6 cm) in height.
- C. The child has low-set ears with lobe creases.
- D. The child can hop on one foot but cannot skip.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is known to be a common sign in various syndromes like Down syndrome. Choices A, B, and D are not directly linked to genetic disorders. Feeding problems and specific weight/height measurements are more general indicators of growth and development, while the ability to hop on one foot but not skip is a developmental milestone assessment that does not specifically point towards a genetic disorder.
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.
After completing an oral examination of a healthy 2-year-old child, the parent asks when the child should first be taken to the dentist. When is the most appropriate time in the child's life for the nurse to suggest?
- A. Before starting school
- B. Within the next few months
- C. When the first deciduous teeth are lost
- D. At the next dental visit of a family member
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is recommended that a child should visit the dentist within the next few months after turning two years old. This allows for early dental check-ups to monitor oral health, detect any issues early on, and establish a good oral hygiene routine. Choice A ('Before starting school') is not as specific and may delay the child's first dental visit. Choice C ('When the first deciduous teeth are lost') is too late for the first dental visit, as preventive care should start earlier. Choice D ('At the next dental visit of a family member') is not ideal as the child's dental needs should be addressed independently of family members' visits.
The healthcare provider notes that a child has lost 8 pounds after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. This is most likely the result of
- A. poor appetite
- B. increased potassium intake
- C. reduction of edema
- D. restriction to bed rest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In acute glomerulonephritis, weight loss is most likely due to the reduction of edema. Edema is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, which causes fluid retention and swelling in the body. As treatment progresses and the condition improves, the reduction of edema leads to weight loss. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis and its impact on weight loss.
An 8-year-old child with the diagnosis of meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?
- A. To measure the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid
- B. To obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis
- C. To relieve intracranial pressure
- D. To assess the presence of infection in the spinal fluid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture is to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This sample helps in diagnosing conditions such as meningitis by evaluating the presence of pathogens or abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (Choice A) is not the main objective of a lumbar puncture, although it can be done during the procedure. Relieving intracranial pressure (Choice C) is not the direct purpose of a lumbar puncture, as other interventions are typically used for this purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid (Choice D) is related to the overall goal of obtaining a sample for analysis, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.