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. What clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot should the nurse expect when caring for children with this diagnosis?

• A. Slow respirations
• B. Clubbing of fingers
• C. Decreased RBC counts
• D. Subcutaneous hemorrhages

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clubbing of fingers is a common manifestation in children with tetralogy of Fallot due to chronic hypoxia. Clubbing occurs as a result of long-standing decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to changes in the fingertips. Slow respirations (Choice A) are not typically a direct clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot. While decreased RBC counts (Choice C) may occur due to chronic hypoxia, they are not a primary manifestation specific to tetralogy of Fallot. Subcutaneous hemorrhages (Choice D) are not a common clinical manifestation associated with tetralogy of Fallot.

3. When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, what nursing care should be included?

• A. Elevating the head and not giving anything by mouth
• B. Elevating the head at all times
• C. Administering glucose water only during feedings
• D. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula, it is essential to elevate the head and avoid giving anything by mouth. Elevating the head helps prevent aspiration, and withholding oral intake reduces the risk of complications like aspiration pneumonia. Elevating the head at all times (choice B) is overly restrictive and unnecessary. Administering glucose water only during feedings (choice C) is not recommended as it can still lead to aspiration. Avoiding suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic (choice D) is incorrect because maintaining airway patency may require suctioning, irrespective of cyanosis, in a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula.

4. What behavior does the nurse anticipate while feeding a newborn with choanal atresia?

• A. Chokes on the feeding
• B. Has difficulty swallowing
• C. Does not appear to be hungry
• D. Takes about half of the feeding

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct answer: When feeding a newborn with choanal atresia, the nurse should anticipate that the infant may take only part of the feeding. This behavior is due to the condition causing difficulty in breathing through the nose while feeding, prompting the infant to pause for air. Choice A, 'Chokes on the feeding,' is incorrect as it does not specifically relate to the feeding behavior expected in choanal atresia. Choice B, 'Has difficulty swallowing,' is also incorrect because the issue in choanal atresia is primarily related to breathing rather than swallowing. Choice C, 'Does not appear to be hungry,' is not the typical behavior seen in infants with choanal atresia; they may still display hunger cues but struggle with feeding due to the condition.

5. What is an important nursing consideration for a child with a diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with methotrexate?

• A. Monitor liver function tests regularly
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide high-calorie snacks
• D. Encourage frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor liver function tests regularly. Methotrexate, commonly used in JIA, can be hepatotoxic. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early. While encouraging regular exercise (choice B) is generally beneficial for overall health, it is not directly related to methotrexate therapy. Providing high-calorie snacks (choice C) is not a necessary consideration in this context and can be misleading. Encouraging frequent handwashing (choice D) is important for infection control but is not specifically related to the medication methotrexate.

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