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. What intervention should the nurse encourage for a postpartum client complaining of perineal pain?

• A. Use of ice packs for the first 24 hours
• B. Application of heat packs immediately
• C. Avoiding the use of peri-bottles
• D. Using tampons to manage lochia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for perineal pain in a postpartum client is the use of ice packs for the first 24 hours. Ice packs help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area, especially during the initial post-delivery period. Applying heat packs can exacerbate swelling and discomfort. Avoiding peri-bottles may lead to poor perineal hygiene. Using tampons is contraindicated postpartum as it increases the risk of infection.

3. How will a ventricular septal defect affect blood flow?

• A. Blood will shunt left to right, causing increased pulmonary flow and no cyanosis.
• B. Blood will shunt right to left, causing decreased pulmonary flow and cyanosis.
• C. No shunting occurs due to high pressure in the left ventricle.
• D. Increased pressure in the left atrium hinders the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ventricular septal defect allows blood to shunt left to right, leading to increased pulmonary flow. This results in oxygenated blood mixing with deoxygenated blood, causing no cyanosis as the mixed blood is still oxygenated. The shunting from left to right overloads the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary flow. Choice B is incorrect because blood does not shunt right to left in a ventricular septal defect. Choice C is incorrect as shunting does occur due to the pressure differences between the ventricles. Choice D is incorrect because the defect affects the ventricles, not the atrium, and does not hinder the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

4. Which of the following is a sign of altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Fear of the EMT's presence.
• B. Recognition of the parents.
• C. Inattention to the EMT's presence.
• D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inattention to the EMT's presence is a sign of altered mental status in a small child. When a child is not responsive or does not acknowledge the presence of the EMT, it could indicate a change in their mental status. This lack of attention or awareness may signify a neurological issue or other medical condition affecting the child's cognitive function.

5. When evaluating a client's fluid intake and output record, how should fluid intake and urine output relate?

• A. Fluid intake should double the urine output
• B. Fluid intake should be approximately equal to the urine output
• C. Fluid intake should be half the urine output
• D. Fluid intake should be inversely proportional to the urine output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In assessing a client's fluid intake and output record, it is essential for fluid intake to be approximately equal to the urine output. This balance indicates proper hydration and renal function. Deviations from this balance could signify potential issues that need further investigation and management.

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