Nursing Elites

1. A 5-year-old boy was struck by a car when he ran out into the street. When you arrive at the scene and approach the child, you see him lying supine approximately 15 feet from the car. Based on the child's age and mechanism of injury, which of the following should you suspect to be his PRIMARY injury?

• A. Lower leg injury
• B. Head injury
• C. Upper thorax injury
• D. Pelvic injury

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Given the mechanism of injury and the distance the child was thrown, a primary pelvic injury should be suspected due to the high impact and force. The pelvis is a common site for significant injury in such cases, and the distance the child was thrown indicates a high-energy impact that could lead to pelvic fractures or injuries.

2. A new parent is concerned because their newborn's stools are loose and yellow. The healthcare provider should explain that this is:

• A. A sign of dehydration
• B. A normal finding in breastfed infants
• C. Indicative of an infection
• D. Due to lactose intolerance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Loose, yellow stools are a normal finding in breastfed infants. Breastfed infants often have loose, yellow stools due to the composition of breast milk. It is not typically a sign of dehydration, infection, or lactose intolerance in this context.

3. Warning signs that indicate dehydration include all EXCEPT:

• A. Poor skin turgor
• B. Increased urine output
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Eager to drink

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urine output is not a warning sign of dehydration; it typically decreases with dehydration. Dehydration often presents with poor skin turgor, tachycardia, and an increased sensation of thirst (eager to drink) as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss. Choices A, C, and D are all correct warning signs of dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a result of decreased skin elasticity due to fluid loss. Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in dehydration. Feeling eager to drink is a common symptom of dehydration as the body attempts to restore fluid balance.

4. Which of the following findings is abnormal?

• A. Rapid, irregular breathing in a newly born infant
• B. Heart rate of 80 beats/min in a 3-month-old infant
• C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min in a 2-year-old child
• D. Systolic BP of 100 mm Hg in a 10-year-old child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 beats per minute in a 3-month-old infant is abnormally low for that age group and could indicate underlying health issues. The normal heart rate for a 3-month-old infant is typically higher, around 100-150 beats per minute. Therefore, this finding stands out as abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choice A is not necessarily abnormal in a newly born infant as irregular breathing patterns can be common during the neonatal period. Choice C falls within the normal respiratory rate range for a 2-year-old child, which is around 20-30 breaths per minute. Choice D reflects a systolic blood pressure value within the normal range for a 10-year-old child, which is typically around 90-110 mm Hg.

5. A 30-year-old woman is 22 weeks pregnant with her first child. She tells you that her rings are not fitting as loosely as they usually do and that her ankles are swollen. Her blood pressure is 150/86 mm Hg. She is MOST likely experiencing:

• A. a condition unrelated to pregnancy.
• B. gestational diabetes.
• C. a hypertensive emergency.
• D. preeclampsia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms of swollen ankles, tight rings, and elevated blood pressure in a pregnant woman at 22 weeks gestation are concerning for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, commonly seen with symptoms such as swelling (edema) and protein in the urine. It is crucial to monitor and manage preeclampsia promptly as it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby.

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