Nursing Elites

1. A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:

• A. Ventilate her with a bag-valve mask.
• B. Start chest compressions.
• C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask.
• D. Place her in the recovery position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.

2. An 18-month-old child presents with fever, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and a respiratory rate of 50 bpm. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?

• A. High risk for altered body temperature - hyperthermia
• B. Ineffective breathing pattern
• C. Ineffective individual coping
• D. Knowledge deficit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the child is showing signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and an increased respiratory rate. These are indicative of an ineffective breathing pattern. The child's compromised respiratory function requires immediate attention and intervention, making 'Ineffective breathing pattern' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. Choices A, C, and D do not address the respiratory distress the child is experiencing and are not the priority in this situation.

3. When assessing a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, his blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 140 beats/min and weak. The child's blood pressure:

• A. indicates decompensated shock.
• B. reflects adequate compensation.
• C. suggests increased intracranial pressure.
• D. is appropriate based on his age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg and a pulse rate of 140 beats/min, and weak, indicate decompensated shock. This presentation signifies inadequate perfusion, leading to compensatory mechanisms being overwhelmed, resulting in decompensated shock. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs suggest the body is unable to adequately compensate for the trauma. Choice C is incorrect as the vital signs are more indicative of shock rather than increased intracranial pressure. Choice D is incorrect as such low blood pressure is not appropriate for a child of this age and indicates a critical condition.

4. Following an apparent febrile seizure, a 4-year-old boy is alert and crying. His skin is hot and moist. Appropriate treatment for this child includes:

• A. allowing the parents to transport the child.
• B. offering oxygen and providing transport.
• C. rapidly cooling the child in cold water.
• D. keeping the child warm and providing transport.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a febrile seizure, the priority is to offer oxygen and provide transport to a medical facility. Oxygen may be necessary to ensure proper oxygenation, and medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause of the seizure and prevent recurrence. Rapidly cooling the child in cold water is not recommended as it may lead to complications such as hypothermia. Keeping the child warm is also not indicated as the skin is already hot and moist. Therefore, offering oxygen and timely transportation to a healthcare facility is the most appropriate course of action. Allowing the parents to transport the child might delay necessary medical care, and keeping the child warm can exacerbate the existing heat. Rapidly cooling the child in cold water can lead to adverse effects, making it an inappropriate choice.

5. After attaching the AED to a 7-year-old child in cardiac arrest, you push the analyze button and receive a shock advised message. After delivering the shock, you should:

• A. assess for a carotid pulse.
• B. open the airway and ventilate.
• C. immediately perform CPR.
• D. reanalyze the cardiac rhythm.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After delivering a shock, it is crucial to immediately resume CPR. CPR helps circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs until the AED prompts you to stop for further rhythm analysis. This continuous cycle of CPR and defibrillation maximizes the chances of restoring a normal cardiac rhythm and improving the child's chances of survival. Assessing for a carotid pulse is not necessary after a shock as pulse checks are often unreliable during resuscitation. Opening the airway and ventilating is not the immediate step after delivering a shock as CPR takes precedence. Reanalyzing the cardiac rhythm should be done only when prompted by the AED after a set period of CPR.

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