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An 8-year-old child diagnosed with meningitis is to undergo 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: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This fluid is then examined for signs of infection, bleeding, or other abnormalities. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid is typically done during the procedure itself, but it is not the primary purpose of the lumbar puncture. While a lumbar puncture can indirectly help relieve intracranial pressure by removing excess cerebrospinal fluid, this is not its primary purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid is part of the analysis that follows the collection of the sample, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.
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A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a suspected fracture. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Immobilize the affected limb
- B. Apply ice to the affected area
- C. Elevate the affected limb
- D. Check the child's neurovascular status
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action when a child with a suspected fracture is brought to the emergency department is to immobilize the affected limb. Immobilization helps prevent further injury until a fracture is confirmed or ruled out. Applying ice or elevating the limb can wait until after immobilization has been achieved. Checking the child's neurovascular status is important but is not the priority action in this situation.
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.
Which best describes a full-thickness (third-degree) burn?
- A. Erythema and pain
- B. Skin showing erythema followed by blister formation
- C. Destruction of all layers of skin evident with extension into subcutaneous tissue
- D. Destruction injury involving underlying structures such as muscle, fascia, and bone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A full-thickness (third-degree) burn involves the destruction of all layers of skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and extending into the subcutaneous tissue. This type of burn results in significant tissue damage and can appear pale, charred, or leathery. Choice A is incorrect as erythema and pain are more characteristic of superficial burns. Choice B describes a partial-thickness burn where the skin shows erythema followed by blister formation, involving the epidermis and part of the dermis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a deeper type of injury involving structures beyond the skin layers, such as muscle, fascia, and bone, which is not specific to a full-thickness burn.
A child with a diagnosis of leukemia is receiving chemotherapy. What is the most important nursing intervention?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection
- B. Monitor for signs of bleeding
- C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- D. Monitor for signs of pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for signs of infection. When a child is undergoing chemotherapy, their immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial to promptly identify and treat any potential infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although monitoring for bleeding, dehydration, and pain are important aspects of care, the priority for a child receiving chemotherapy is to prevent and detect infections due to their increased vulnerability.
The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. "This is a difficult age that your child is going through right now."
- B. "Tell me more about your difficulty. I'm not sure what you mean by this."
- C. "It's important to be consistent with toddlers when they need disciplining."
- D. "I can understand what you mean. That's why this age is called the terrible twos."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at an age where they are learning boundaries and acceptable behaviors. By being consistent, parents can help their child understand what is expected of them and establish a sense of structure and routine. Choices A, B, and D do not provide constructive advice or guidance on how to address the issue of disciplining a 2-year-old. Choice A merely acknowledges the age without providing guidance, choice B seeks more information without offering support, and choice D labels the age without offering practical advice on discipline.