Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse on a pediatric unit is reviewing the laboratory results for a group of clients. Which of the following results should the nurse identify as the priority?
A. An adolescent who has iron-deficiency anemia and an Hgb level of 11 g/dL (10 to 15.5 g/dL)
An adolescent who has iron-deficiency anemia and an Hgb level of 11 g/dL (10 to 15.5 g/dL):An Hgb level of 11 g/dL in an adolescent with iron-deficiency anemia is within the expected range for someone with this condition. While iron-deficiency anemia requires management, it is not an urgent or critical condition requiring immediate intervention.
B. A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 8% (less than 7%)
A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 8% (less than 7%):An HbA1c level of 8% in a child with diabetes mellitus indicates poor glycemic control and may increase the risk of long-term complications. While it requires attention and adjustment of the treatment plan, it is not an urgent or critical condition requiring immediate intervention.
C. A toddler who has moderate dehydration and an RBC count of 5.6/mm3 (4 to 5.5/mm3)
A toddler who has moderate dehydration and an RBC count of 5.6/mm3 (4 to 5.5/mm3): Moderate dehydration in a toddler is a concerning finding that requires prompt intervention to restore fluid balance and prevent complications. However, the RBC count of 5.6/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate an urgent or critical condition.
D. A preschooler who has cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and a WBC count of 15,000/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3)
A preschooler who has cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and a WBC count of 15,000/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3):A WBC count of 15,000/mm3 in a preschooler with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes may indicate an infection or inflammatory process. Elevated WBC count warrants further assessment and possible intervention to identify and treat the underlying cause, making this the priority.
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Full Explanation
A. An adolescent who has iron-deficiency anemia and an Hgb level of 11 g/dL (10 to 15.5 g/dL):
An Hgb level of 11 g/dL in an adolescent with iron-deficiency anemia is within the expected range for someone with this condition. While iron-deficiency anemia requires management, it is not an urgent or critical condition requiring immediate intervention.
B. A school-age child who has diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 8% (less than 7%):
An HbA1c level of 8% in a child with diabetes mellitus indicates poor glycemic control and may increase the risk of long-term complications. While it requires attention and adjustment of the treatment plan, it is not an urgent or critical condition requiring immediate intervention.
C. A toddler who has moderate dehydration and an RBC count of 5.6/mm3 (4 to 5.5/mm3):
Moderate dehydration in a toddler is a concerning finding that requires prompt intervention to restore fluid balance and prevent complications. However, the RBC count of 5.6/mm3 is within the normal range and does not indicate an urgent or critical condition.
D. A preschooler who has cystic fibrosis-related diabetes and a WBC count of 15,000/mm3 (5,000 to 10,000/mm3):
A WBC count of 15,000/mm3 in a preschooler with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes may indicate an infection or inflammatory process. Elevated WBC count warrants further assessment and possible intervention to identify and treat the underlying cause, making this the priority.
Similar Questions
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.
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.
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.