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. A group of students is reviewing information about the various types of insulin used to treat type 1 diabetes. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of these insulins as having the longest duration.

• A. Lispro
• B. Regular
• C. NPH
• D. Glargine

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is Glargine (Lantus) as it has the longest duration of action among the insulins listed, lasting 12 to 24 hours. Lispro (Humalog) and Regular (short-acting) insulins have shorter durations of action, typically lasting 3 to 6 hours. NPH (Neutral Protamine Hagedorn) insulin has an intermediate duration of action, lasting around 12 to 18 hours. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect in the context of insulin duration.

3. The parents of an infant ask the nurse why their baby is scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine rather than the oral vaccine. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular vaccine because it is safer.
• B. The consensus is that either can be used, since both produce the same results and are equally safe.
• C. The oral vaccine is more expensive, so the intramuscular vaccine is preferred unless it is contraindicated.
• D. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intramuscular vaccine unless the infant or a family member is immunocompromised.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine because it has a better safety profile compared to the oral vaccine. Choice B is incorrect because the AAP specifically recommends the intramuscular vaccine over the oral vaccine. Choice C is incorrect as cost is not the primary reason for preferring the intramuscular vaccine. Choice D is incorrect as the recommendation is based on safety rather than the immunocompromised status of the infant or family members.

4. A healthcare provider is educating a parent group about the importance of immunizations. Which disease can be prevented by the varicella vaccine?

• A. Measles
• B. Mumps
• C. Rubella
• D. Chickenpox

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The varicella vaccine is specifically designed to prevent chickenpox. Measles, mumps, and rubella are prevented by different vaccines: Measles is prevented by the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine; Mumps is prevented by the MMR vaccine; and Rubella is also prevented by the MMR vaccine. Therefore, the correct answer is D, Chickenpox, as it is the disease prevented by the varicella vaccine.

5. A nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering chemotherapy
• B. Preventing infection
• C. Monitoring for signs of bleeding
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering chemotherapy. In the care of a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the priority nursing intervention is administering chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment for ALL and plays a crucial role in managing the disease. While preventing infection, monitoring for signs of bleeding, and providing nutritional support are important aspects of caring for a child with ALL, administering chemotherapy takes precedence as it directly targets the cancer cells and aims to induce remission.

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