Nokea
When assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock, which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable?
- A. distal capillary refill
- B. systolic blood pressure
- C. skin color and temperature
- D. presence of peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: systolic blood pressure. In young children, systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter for assessing perfusion status. Factors such as anxiety, crying, and fear can significantly affect blood pressure measurements, leading to inaccuracies. Distal capillary refill, skin color and temperature, and presence of peripheral pulses are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Distal capillary refill assesses peripheral perfusion, skin color, and temperature reflect tissue perfusion, and the presence of peripheral pulses indicates blood flow to the extremities. Therefore, when evaluating a 2-year-old child with possible shock, focusing on parameters other than systolic blood pressure is crucial for an accurate assessment of perfusion status.
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What intervention best meets a major developmental need of a newborn in the immediate postoperative period?
- A. Giving a pacifier to the newborn
- B. Placing a mobile over the newborn's crib
- C. Providing the newborn with a soft, cuddly toy
- D. Warming the newborn's formula before feeding
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is giving a pacifier to the newborn. Sucking is a natural reflex and a source of comfort for newborns, especially postoperatively. Offering a pacifier can help meet their developmental needs by providing comfort and a soothing mechanism. Placing a mobile over the crib (choice B) may provide visual stimulation but does not directly address the newborn's developmental needs for comfort and self-soothing. Providing a soft, cuddly toy (choice C) may offer some comfort but may not be as effective in meeting the specific developmental need for sucking postoperatively. Warming the newborn's formula before feeding (choice D) relates more to feeding practices than directly addressing a major developmental need in the postoperative period.
What clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot should the nurse expect when caring for children with this diagnosis?
- A. Slow respirations
- B. Clubbing of fingers
- C. Decreased RBC counts
- D. Subcutaneous hemorrhages
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clubbing of fingers is a common manifestation in children with tetralogy of Fallot due to chronic hypoxia. Clubbing occurs as a result of long-standing decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to changes in the fingertips. Slow respirations (Choice A) are not typically a direct clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot. While decreased RBC counts (Choice C) may occur due to chronic hypoxia, they are not a primary manifestation specific to tetralogy of Fallot. Subcutaneous hemorrhages (Choice D) are not a common clinical manifestation associated with tetralogy of Fallot.
What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving chemotherapy?
- A. Preventing infection
- B. Administering chemotherapy
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Monitoring fluid intake
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Preventing infection. When caring for a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) undergoing chemotherapy, the top priority is to prevent infection. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, making the child more susceptible to infections. By implementing infection control measures such as hand hygiene, aseptic techniques, and environmental cleanliness, the nurse can help protect the child from potentially life-threatening infections. Administering chemotherapy (choice B) is important but not the priority over preventing infection. Providing nutritional support (choice C) and monitoring fluid intake (choice D) are essential aspects of care but take a back seat to preventing infection in this scenario.
What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?
- A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
- B. Encourage regular exercise
- C. Provide high-calorie snacks
- D. Encourage frequent handwashing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Monitoring liver function tests regularly is crucial when a child with JIA is on methotrexate due to the potential hepatotoxicity associated with this medication. Methotrexate can lead to liver damage, hence monitoring helps in early detection and intervention. Encouraging regular exercise (Choice B) is generally good for children with JIA to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength, but it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (Choice C) is not a priority consideration for a child on methotrexate. Encouraging frequent handwashing (Choice D) is important for infection control, but it is not specifically associated with methotrexate therapy in a child with JIA.
When caring for a 2-year-old girl who is wheezing and has difficulty breathing, which interview question would provide the most useful information related to the symptoms of the child?
- A. Inquiring about child safety in the home
- B. Asking about the temperament of the child
- C. Asking about the child's diet
- D. Asking the parents if they smoke in the home
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Asking the parents if they smoke in the home is the most relevant question as exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing in children. Smoking indoors can worsen the child's condition and is crucial information for the healthcare provider to assess and address. Inquiring about child safety in the home, asking about the child's temperament, and questioning the child's diet are important aspects of care but are not directly linked to the immediate respiratory symptoms the child is experiencing.