Nursing Elites

1. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.

2. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.

3. A 3-month-old infant has been hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). What is the priority intervention?

• A. Administering an antiviral agent
• B. Clustering care to conserve energy
• C. Offering oral fluids to promote hydration
• D. Providing an antitussive agent when necessary

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority intervention for a 3-month-old infant hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to cluster care to conserve energy. Infants with RSV often have difficulty breathing and need to rest frequently. Clustering care involves grouping nursing interventions to allow for longer periods of rest between activities, which helps prevent exhaustion and conserve the infant's energy. Administering an antiviral agent is not the primary intervention for RSV, as it is a viral infection and antiviral agents are not typically used for RSV. Offering oral fluids is important for hydration but may not be the priority when the infant is struggling to breathe. Providing an antitussive agent should be done judiciously and under medical guidance, as suppressing the cough reflex can be detrimental in RSV cases where coughing helps clear airway secretions.

4. A nurse is reviewing the immunization schedule of an 11-month-old infant. What immunizations does the nurse expect the infant to have previously received?

• A. Pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles
• B. Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and polio
• C. Rubella, polio, tuberculosis, and pertussis
• D. Measles, mumps, rubella, and tuberculosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and polio. By 11 months of age, infants should have received doses of these vaccines as part of the immunization schedule. Choice A is incorrect because measles is usually given later in the schedule. Choice C is incorrect as rubella is usually given as part of the MMR vaccine, not individually, and tuberculosis is not routinely given as a vaccine in early infancy. Choice D is incorrect because mumps is not part of the recommended vaccines at 11 months of age.

5. When developing the plan of care for a child with burns requiring fluid replacement therapy, what information would the nurse expect to include?

• A. Administration of colloid initially followed by a crystalloid
• B. Determination of fluid replacement based on the type of burn
• C. Administration of most of the volume during the first 8 hours
• D. Monitoring of hourly urine output to achieve less than 1 mL/kg/hr

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In fluid replacement therapy for burns, the majority of the volume should be administered within the first 8 hours to prevent shock and maintain perfusion. Choice A is incorrect because crystalloids are typically administered first in fluid resuscitation for burns. Choice B is incorrect as fluid replacement in burn patients is primarily determined by the extent of the burn injury rather than the type of burn. Choice D is incorrect as the goal for hourly urine output in burn patients is generally higher, aiming for 1-2 mL/kg/hr in children to ensure adequate renal perfusion and prevent dehydration.

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