Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A 6-week-old infant with pyloric stenosis is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?
A. Mark an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area.
Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
B. Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area.
Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
C. Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings.
Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
D. Initiate a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription.
This is the correct answer because initiating a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription is essential to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the infant. The infant may have significant fluid loss due to vomiting and poor intake.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - HESI Exit II Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Similar Questions
The nurse is assessing a first day postpartum client. Which finding is most indicative of a postpartum infection?
White Blood Cell (WBC. Reference Range: 5000-10,000/mm^3 (5-10 x 10^9/L)
A. Moderate amount of foul-smelling lochia.
B. Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg
Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client and does not indicate an infection. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia, such as hypertension, proteinuria, headache, blurred vision, and seizures.
C. Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C..
Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C. is slightly elevated, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A mild fever may occur within the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes. However, if the fever persists or increases, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
D. White blood cell count of 19,000/mm^3 (19 x 10^9/L)
White blood cell count of 19,000/mm^3 (19 x 10^9/L) is higher than the normal range, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A leukocytosis or increased WBC count may occur as a normal response to stress or trauma during delivery. However, if the WBC count remains elevated or increases further, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
Full Explanation
Choice B reason: Blood pressure of 122/74 mm Hg is within the normal range for a postpartum client and does not indicate an infection. However, the nurse should monitor for signs of preeclampsia or eclampsia, such as hypertension, proteinuria, headache, blurred vision, and seizures.
Choice C reason: Oral temperature of 100.2°F (37.9°C. is slightly elevated, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A mild fever may occur within the first 24 hours after delivery due to dehydration or hormonal changes. However, if the fever persists or increases, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
Choice D reason: White blood cell count of 19,000/mm^3 (19 x 10^9/L) is higher than the normal range, but not necessarily indicative of an infection. A leukocytosis or increased WBC count may occur as a normal response to stress or trauma during delivery. However, if the WBC count remains elevated or increases further, the nurse should suspect an infection and notify the healthcare provider.
A 6-week-old infant with pyloric stenosis is scheduled for a pyloromyotomy. Which pre-operative nursing action has the highest priority?
A. Mark an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area.
Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
B. Instruct parents regarding care of the incisional area.
Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
C. Monitor amount of intake and infant's response to feedings.
Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
D. Initiate a continuous infusion of IV fluids per prescription.
None
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Marking an outline of the "olive-shaped" mass in the right epigastric area is not a priority nursing action. The mass is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter, which obstructs gastric emptying and causes projectile vomiting. The mass may not be palpable in all cases.
Choice B reason: Instructing parents regarding care of the incisional area is a post-operative nursing action, not a pre-operative one. The parents will need to learn how to keep the incision clean and dry, monitor for signs of infection, and administer pain medication as prescribed.
Choice C reason: Monitoring amount of intake and infant's response to feedings is important, but not the highest priority. The infant may have difficulty feeding due to nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
What environmental factor is most significant when planning care for a client with osteomalacia?
A. Quiet, calm surroundings
Quiet, calm surroundings are not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, they may be beneficial for promoting rest and comfort for the client.
B. Stimulating sounds and activity
Stimulating sounds and activity are not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, they may be helpful for enhancing mood and cognition for the client.
C. Cool, moist air
Cool, moist air is not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, it may be preferable for preventing dehydration and overheating for the client.
D. Adequate sunlight
This is the correct answer because adequate sunlight is the most significant environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. Sunlight exposure helps the skin synthesize vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone mineralization.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Quiet, calm surroundings are not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, they may be beneficial for promoting rest and comfort for the client.
Choice B reason: Stimulating sounds and activity are not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, they may be helpful for enhancing mood and cognition for the client.
Choice C reason: Cool, moist air is not a specific environmental factor for osteomalacia, which is a condition that causes softening and weakening of the bones due to vitamin D deficiency. However, it may be preferable for preventing dehydration and overheating for the client.
