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 finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?

• A. Nervousness
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Smooth velvety skin
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weight gain is the expected finding in a child with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowed metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Choices A, B, and C are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Nervousness and heat intolerance are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity. Smooth velvety skin is not a characteristic sign of hypothyroidism.

3. A child has undergone surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum. What position would the nurse instruct the parents to avoid?

• A. Semi-Fowler
• B. Supine
• C. High Fowler
• D. Side-lying

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Side-lying. After surgery using steel bar placement to correct pectus excavatum, the nurse should instruct the parents to avoid placing the child in a side-lying position. This position should be avoided to prevent displacement of the steel bar. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Semi-Fowler, Supine, and High Fowler positions are generally safe and commonly used in postoperative care, but in this specific case, side-lying should be avoided to ensure the effectiveness of the surgical correction.

4. The father is being taught by a nurse how to stimulate his 7-year-old son who has a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament. Which guidance will be most successful?

• A. Telling him to read stories to the child about famous athletes
• B. Suggesting he take the child to watch him play softball
• C. Urging him to sign the child up for little league football
• D. Proposing wrestling with the child and letting him win

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a child with a 'slow-to-warm-up' temperament, it is important to choose activities that are less intense and allow for gradual engagement. Reading stories to the child about famous athletes would be the most successful approach as it is less active and more likely to be acceptable to the child's temperament. Choice B and C involve more active and potentially overwhelming activities, which may not suit the child's temperament. Choice D, proposing wrestling and letting the child win, might create a competitive environment that could be counterproductive for a 'slow-to-warm-up' child.

5. What should the nurse advise the parents of a child with asthma on preventing asthma attacks?

• A. Avoid exposure to allergens
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Increase fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are commonly triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's contact with these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general health but are not specific preventive measures for asthma attacks.

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