Nursing Elites

1. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

2. A 30-year-old woman has severe lower abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding. She tells you that her last menstrual period was 2 months ago. On the basis of these findings, you should suspect:

• A. a normal pregnancy.
• B. a ruptured ovarian cyst.
• C. an ectopic pregnancy.
• D. a spontaneous abortion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Severe lower abdominal pain, light vaginal bleeding, and a history of missed periods are concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a normal menstrual period along with these symptoms raises suspicion for an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of rupture and life-threatening complications. A normal pregnancy would typically present with different symptoms such as a positive pregnancy test and typical signs of early pregnancy. A ruptured ovarian cyst may present with similar symptoms but typically lacks the history of missed periods. A spontaneous abortion usually involves heavier bleeding and tissue passage, which is not described in this scenario.

3. You are dispatched to a residence for a child with respiratory distress. The child is wheezing and has nasal flaring and retractions. His oxygen saturation is 92%. You should:

• A. place the child in a supine position.
• B. administer high-flow oxygen.
• C. begin chest compressions.
• D. administer low-flow oxygen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a scenario where a child presents with respiratory distress, wheezing, nasal flaring, retractions, and an oxygen saturation of 92%, the appropriate intervention is to administer high-flow oxygen. This helps to improve oxygenation and alleviate the respiratory distress the child is experiencing. Placing the child in a supine position can worsen their condition by affecting their ability to breathe effectively. Chest compressions are not indicated in this case as the child is not in cardiac arrest. Administering low-flow oxygen may not provide adequate oxygenation for a child in respiratory distress with a saturation of 92%. Therefore, the priority is to administer high-flow oxygen to improve oxygen levels and support the child's breathing.

4. What is the most likely cause of a sudden onset of respiratory distress in a 5-year-old child with no fever?

• A. Infection of the lower airways.
• B. A progressive upper airway infection.
• C. Inflammation of the upper airway.
• D. A foreign body airway obstruction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sudden onset of respiratory distress in a child without fever is most likely due to a foreign body airway obstruction. This obstruction can rapidly lead to difficulty breathing, stridor, and other signs of respiratory distress without necessarily causing a fever. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent further complications and ensure the child's airway remains clear.

5. Jaundice in children can be either pathological or physiological. Which of these will you consider as more serious?

• A. Jaundice seen within 24 hours of life
• B. Jaundice seen at the palms and soles
• C. Jaundice appearing after 24 hours of life
• D. Jaundice seen after 14 days of life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Jaundice seen within 24 hours of life is considered more serious in children as it can indicate pathological causes such as hemolytic disease or sepsis, which require prompt evaluation and management to prevent complications. Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of life is concerning due to the higher likelihood of severe conditions, while jaundice seen at the palms and soles is more likely due to physiological causes such as breast milk jaundice. Jaundice appearing after 24 hours or after 14 days of life may still require evaluation but is less urgent compared to jaundice within the first 24 hours.

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