Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of an eight-month-old infant who is newly diagnosed with leukemia. Their most recent platelet count is 120,000/mm3 (200,000 to 475,000/mm3). Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
A. Administer packed red blood cells transfusion (PRBC)
Administer packed red blood cells transfusion (PRBC):While anemia may also be a concern in leukemia, the primary issue here is thrombocytopenia, not anemia. Administering packed red blood cells transfusion would address anemia, not the low platelet count.
B. Avoid taking rectal temperatures
Avoid taking rectal temperatures:This is the correct option. Taking rectal temperatures carries the risk of causing bleeding or trauma, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia. It is essential to avoid invasive procedures or activities that may increase the risk of bleeding in a patient with a low platelet count.
C. Place child in protective environment precautions
Place child in protective environment precautions: Protective environment precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are typically implemented for patients who are immunocompromised to protect them from exposure to infectious agents. While patients with leukemia may be immunocompromised, the low platelet count is the primary concern here, not infection risk.
D. Swab the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine
Swab the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine:Swabbing the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine is not indicated for thrombocytopenia. Lidocaine may have local anesthetic properties but does not address the underlying issue of low platelet count.
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Full Explanation
A. Administer packed red blood cells transfusion (PRBC):
While anemia may also be a concern in leukemia, the primary issue here is thrombocytopenia, not anemia. Administering packed red blood cells transfusion would address anemia, not the low platelet count.
B. Avoid taking rectal temperatures:
This is the correct option. Taking rectal temperatures carries the risk of causing bleeding or trauma, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia. It is essential to avoid invasive procedures or activities that may increase the risk of bleeding in a patient with a low platelet count.
C. Place child in protective environment precautions:
Protective environment precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are typically implemented for patients who are immunocompromised to protect them from exposure to infectious agents. While patients with leukemia may be immunocompromised, the low platelet count is the primary concern here, not infection risk.
D. Swab the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine:
Swabbing the oral cavity with viscous lidocaine is not indicated for thrombocytopenia. Lidocaine may have local anesthetic properties but does not address the underlying issue of low platelet count.
Similar Questions
A nurse is preparing a teaching plan for the parent of a school-age child who has asthma. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include as an indication of an exacerbation of asthma?
A. Green zone reading on peak expiratory flow meter
Green zone reading on peak expiratory flow meter:A green zone reading on a peak expiratory flow meter indicates that the child's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is within the normal or stable range. This would not typically be indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. In fact, a green zone reading suggests that asthma is well-controlled.
B. Rhinitis
Rhinitis:Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is a common symptom in individuals with asthma, but it is not necessarily indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. Rhinitis can occur due to allergic or non-allergic triggers and may be present even when asthma is well-controlled.
C. Axillary temperature of 37.2° C (99° F)
Axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F): An axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range for body temperature and is not indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. While fever can occur during exacerbations of asthma, it is not a universal symptom and may be absent in some cases.
D. Hacking, nonproductive cough
Hacking, nonproductive cough:This is the correct option. A hacking, nonproductive cough is a common symptom of asthma exacerbation. During an exacerbation, the airways become inflamed and constricted, leading to coughing. The cough may be dry and unproductive, and it is often worse at night or early in the morning.
Full Explanation
A. Green zone reading on peak expiratory flow meter:
A green zone reading on a peak expiratory flow meter indicates that the child's peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is within the normal or stable range. This would not typically be indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. In fact, a green zone reading suggests that asthma is well-controlled.
B. Rhinitis:
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is a common symptom in individuals with asthma, but it is not necessarily indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. Rhinitis can occur due to allergic or non-allergic triggers and may be present even when asthma is well-controlled.
C. Axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F):
An axillary temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range for body temperature and is not indicative of an exacerbation of asthma. While fever can occur during exacerbations of asthma, it is not a universal symptom and may be absent in some cases.
D. Hacking, nonproductive cough:
This is the correct option. A hacking, nonproductive cough is a common symptom of asthma exacerbation. During an exacerbation, the airways become inflamed and constricted, leading to coughing. The cough may be dry and unproductive, and it is often worse at night or early in the morning.
A nurse is teaching a school-age child and their parents about managing diabetes mellitus during illness. The nurse should determine that the teaching has been effective when the parents indicate they will provide which of the following when the child is ill?
A. Decreased calories
Decreased calories:During illness, it's important to ensure adequate calorie intake to meet the body's increased energy demands for fighting off infection. Decreasing calories is not appropriate and can lead to hypoglycemia in a child with diabetes mellitus.
B. Increased fluids
Increased fluids:This is the correct option. During illness, the body's fluid requirements increase due to fever, sweating, and increased urination. Providing increased fluids helps prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate hyperglycemia. Parents should encourage the child to drink plenty of water or other sugar-free fluids to stay hydrated.
C. Blood glucose monitoring every 8 hr
Blood glucose monitoring every 8 hr: During illness, blood glucose levels may fluctuate more than usual due to changes in food intake, activity level, and the body's response to stress. Therefore, more frequent blood glucose monitoring is necessary, typically every 2-4 hours or as directed by the healthcare provider, rather than every 8 hours.
D. Urine testing for leukocytes
Urine testing for leukocytes:Urine testing for leukocytes is not directly related to managing diabetes mellitus during illness. It may be done to assess for urinary tract infections, which can occur more frequently in individuals with diabetes, but it is not a routine part of diabetes management during illness.
Full Explanation
A. Decreased calories:
During illness, it's important to ensure adequate calorie intake to meet the body's increased energy demands for fighting off infection. Decreasing calories is not appropriate and can lead to hypoglycemia in a child with diabetes mellitus.
B. Increased fluids:
This is the correct option. During illness, the body's fluid requirements increase due to fever, sweating, and increased urination. Providing increased fluids helps prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate hyperglycemia. Parents should encourage the child to drink plenty of water or other sugar-free fluids to stay hydrated.
C. Blood glucose monitoring every 8 hr:
During illness, blood glucose levels may fluctuate more than usual due to changes in food intake, activity level, and the body's response to stress. Therefore, more frequent blood glucose monitoring is necessary, typically every 2-4 hours or as directed by the healthcare provider, rather than every 8 hours.
D. Urine testing for leukocytes:
Urine testing for leukocytes is not directly related to managing diabetes mellitus during illness. It may be done to assess for urinary tract infections, which can occur more frequently in individuals with diabetes, but it is not a routine part of diabetes management during illness.
A charge nurse is assisting a newly licensed nurse with the preoperative assessment of a 2-year-old child who has a Wilms' tumor. Which of the following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the needed care?
A. Measuring the child's abdominal circumference
Measuring the child's abdominal circumference:This is the correct action. Assessing the child's abdominal circumference is essential in monitoring the size of the Wilms' tumor and evaluating for any signs of abdominal distention or growth. Changes in abdominal circumference can provide valuable information about the progression of the tumor and any potential complications.
B. Palpating the child's abdomen
Palpating the child's abdomen:Palpating the child's abdomen is an essential part of the physical examination to assess for the presence of a mass or any tenderness. However, in the case of a child with a known Wilms' tumor, palpation should be performed gently to avoid causing discomfort or disturbing the tumor.
C. Providing clear liquids up to 1 hr prior to surgery
Providing clear liquids up to 1 hr prior to surgery: Providing clear liquids up to 1 hour prior to surgery is not appropriate for a child undergoing surgery, especially if anesthesia is involved. Preoperative fasting guidelines typically require clear liquids to be stopped a few hours before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration.
D. Continuously monitoring the child's oxygen saturation
Continuously monitoring the child's oxygen saturation:Continuous monitoring of the child's oxygen saturation is an essential aspect of perioperative care, but it is not specific to the preoperative assessment for a child with Wilms' tumor. Oxygen saturation monitoring is typically performed throughout the perioperative period to ensure adequate oxygenation during surgery and recovery.
Full Explanation
A. Measuring the child's abdominal circumference:
This is the correct action. Assessing the child's abdominal circumference is essential in monitoring the size of the Wilms' tumor and evaluating for any signs of abdominal distention or growth. Changes in abdominal circumference can provide valuable information about the progression of the tumor and any potential complications.
B. Palpating the child's abdomen:
Palpating the child's abdomen is an essential part of the physical examination to assess for the presence of a mass or any tenderness. However, in the case of a child with a known Wilms' tumor, palpation should be performed gently to avoid causing discomfort or disturbing the tumor.
C. Providing clear liquids up to 1 hr prior to surgery:
Providing clear liquids up to 1 hour prior to surgery is not appropriate for a child undergoing surgery, especially if anesthesia is involved. Preoperative fasting guidelines typically require clear liquids to be stopped a few hours before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration.
D. Continuously monitoring the child's oxygen saturation:
Continuous monitoring of the child's oxygen saturation is an essential aspect of perioperative care, but it is not specific to the preoperative assessment for a child with Wilms' tumor. Oxygen saturation monitoring is typically performed throughout the perioperative period to ensure adequate oxygenation during surgery and recovery.