Nursing Elites

1. Which pain assessment tool is most appropriate for a 3-month-old hospitalized with a fractured femur?

• A. FLACC scale
• B. Poker chip tool
• C. Number scale
• D. Visual analog scale

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The FLACC scale, which stands for Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability, is specifically designed for nonverbal patients like infants and young children. It assesses pain based on observable behaviors such as facial expressions, leg movement, activity level, cry, and the ability to be consoled. In this case, a 3-month-old infant who is unable to communicate verbally would best be assessed using the FLACC scale to determine the level of pain experienced due to a fractured femur. The Poker chip tool, Number scale, and Visual analog scale are not suitable for nonverbal infants and young children as they rely on self-reporting or cognitive abilities that are not yet developed at this age.

2. A new mother is learning to breastfeed her newborn. Which position is recommended for a mother recovering from a cesarean section?

• A. Cradle hold
• B. Football hold
• C. Side-lying position
• D. Cross-cradle hold

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The football hold is recommended for mothers recovering from a cesarean section because it positions the baby higher up and away from the incision site, avoiding pressure on the abdomen. This hold also provides better support for the baby's head and neck, making it a more comfortable position for both the mother and the newborn.

3. What is a priority discharge instruction for a parent of a child experiencing the first episode of asthma?

• A. Asthma can be prevented by avoiding environmental and emotional triggers
• B. Asthma decreases the size of the airway causing distress
• C. Bronchodilators can cause tachycardia and restlessness
• D. If an attack occurs at home, the child should sit or stand

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Educating parents about avoiding triggers is a crucial part of managing asthma in children to prevent future asthma attacks. By identifying and minimizing exposure to triggers, parents can help reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations and improve the child's overall quality of life.

4. What is the most important intervention to decrease the stressors of hospitalization for a 9-month-old infant being treated for a bacterial infection?

• A. Encourage the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care.
• B. Provide a brightly lit environment for the infant.
• C. Play tapes of the mother's voice.
• D. Assign the same nurse to the infant as much as possible.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care is crucial in decreasing the stressors of hospitalization for the infant. Parental presence provides comfort and security, promotes bonding, and maintains a sense of familiarity for the infant during a potentially stressful situation. This involvement can help reduce anxiety and promote better outcomes for the infant's emotional well-being and overall hospital experience. Providing a brightly lit environment (choice B) can actually increase stress for the infant, as infants generally prefer dimly lit environments for better sleep. Playing tapes of the mother's voice (choice C) may offer some comfort but does not substitute for parental presence. While assigning the same nurse to the infant (choice D) can provide continuity of care, it is not as effective as having the parents present for emotional support and bonding.

5. The nurse is preparing new parents for discharge with their newborn. The father asks the nurse why the baby's head is so pointed and puffy-looking. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. His head is molded from fitting through the birth canal. It will become more round.
• B. We refer to that as 'cone head,' which is a temporary condition that goes away.
• C. It might mean that your baby sustained brain damage during birth, and could have delays.
• D. I think he looks just like you. Your head is much the same shape as your baby's.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected response 'His head is molded from fitting through the birth canal. It will become more round.' is the best answer as it explains the physiological reason for the baby's appearance after birth. It reassures the father that the pointed and puffy-looking head is a normal part of the birthing process and will resolve on its own. Choice B is incorrect because while 'cone head' is a term used colloquially, it does not provide a detailed explanation. Choice C is incorrect and should be avoided as it introduces unnecessary worry by suggesting brain damage. Choice D is not an appropriate response as it doesn't address the father's concern or provide accurate information about newborn physiology.

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