A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who is 4 hr postoperative following appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Apply a warm compress to the operative site once daily.
- B. Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.
- C. Give cromolyn nebulized solution every 8 hr.
- D. Offer small amounts of clear liquids 6 hr following surgery.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer analgesics on a scheduled basis for the first 24 hr.
Rationale: Postoperative pain management is crucial for the comfort and recovery of the child. Administering analgesics on a scheduled basis helps control pain effectively and prevents breakthrough pain. The first 24 hours following surgery are critical for pain control as the child may experience increased discomfort during this time. By providing analgesics on a schedule, the nurse ensures that the child receives timely pain relief.
Summary of incorrect choices:
A: Applying a warm compress to the operative site is not a standard practice post-appendectomy and may not effectively manage pain.
C: Cromolyn nebulized solution is not typically used for pain management post-appendectomy.
D: Offering clear liquids 6 hours following surgery may not be appropriate as the child may not be ready to tolerate oral intake so soon after surgery.
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A nurse is assessing a child who has bacterial pneumonia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
- A. Fever
- B. Steatorrhea
- C. Tinnitus
- D. Dysphagia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fever. Bacterial pneumonia commonly presents with fever due to the body's immune response to the infection. This is a classic sign of inflammation caused by the bacterial infection in the lungs. Steatorrhea (B), tinnitus (C), and dysphagia (D) are not typical manifestations of bacterial pneumonia. Steatorrhea is associated with malabsorption disorders, tinnitus is often related to ear issues, and dysphagia is difficulty swallowing, which is not a common symptom of pneumonia. Therefore, the nurse should expect fever as a key manifestation of bacterial pneumonia in the child.
A nurse is assessing the fontanels of an infant. Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as an expected finding?
- A. The posterior fontanel is open.
- B. The anterior fontanel is open.
- C. Both fontanels are the same size.
- D. Both fontanels show molars.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The anterior fontanel is open. The anterior fontanel is typically open in infants to allow for brain growth and development. It is a normal finding during infancy and should close by around 18 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because the posterior fontanel closes shortly after birth. Choice C is incorrect because the fontanels are not expected to be the same size; the anterior fontanel is larger than the posterior fontanel. Choice D is incorrect because the presence of molars in the fontanels would not be expected and could indicate a medical issue.
A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old at a clinic. The nurse reviews the assessment findings. Select findings that require immediate follow up. Select all that apply.
- A. Right forearm and fingers are edematous
- B. Abdomen non-distended
- C. Fingers slightly cool to touch
- D. Oxygen saturation 98% on room air
- E. Heart rate 102/min
- F. Respiratory rate 22/min
- G. Ecchymotic area noted on outer aspect of the forearm
Correct Answer: A,C,E,F
Rationale: The correct answers are A, C, E, and F.
A: Edematous right forearm and fingers can indicate a potential circulatory issue requiring immediate follow-up.
C: Fingers slightly cool to touch suggest poor circulation, requiring further assessment.
E: Heart rate of 102/min in a 9-year-old is above normal, indicating possible distress.
F: Respiratory rate of 22/min is slightly elevated and could indicate respiratory distress.
B, D, G are not immediate concerns as a non-distended abdomen, oxygen saturation of 98% on room air, and an ecchymotic area on the forearm do not require immediate follow-up in this context.
A nurse is preparing to measure the temperature of an infant. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Pull the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe.
- B. Place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla.
- C. Insert the probe 3.8 cm (1.5 in) into the infant's rectum.
- D. Insert the oral thermometer in front of the infant's tongue.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - Place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla.
Rationale: The axillary temperature is a common method for measuring an infant's temperature. Placing the thermometer under the center of the axilla ensures an accurate reading without causing discomfort or harm to the infant.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Pulling the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe is not necessary for measuring temperature.
C: Inserting the probe 3.8 cm (1.5 in) into the infant's rectum is invasive and not appropriate for routine temperature measurement.
D: Inserting the oral thermometer in front of the infant's tongue is incorrect as oral thermometers are not suitable for infants due to the risk of choking.
A nurse is providing teaching about home safety to the adult child of an older adult client who is postoperative following knee replacement surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Encourage the client to avoid wearing shoes at home.
- B. Place a throw rug over electrical cords.
- C. Mark the edges of the doorway to the house with tape.
- D. Ensure that area rugs have rubber backs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ensure that area rugs have rubber backs. This instruction is important to prevent slips and falls, as rubber-backed rugs provide better traction on smooth surfaces, reducing the risk of accidents. Placing throw rugs over electrical cords (B) can cause tripping hazards. Marking the edges of the doorway with tape (C) may not be effective and can be unsightly. Encouraging the client to avoid wearing shoes at home (A) may not directly impact safety. Overall, ensuring area rugs have rubber backs (D) is the most practical and effective approach to enhancing home safety for a postoperative older adult.