Nursing Elites

1. A 5-year-old child is admitted to the pediatric unit with fever and pain secondary to a sickle cell crisis. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Obtain a culture of any sputum or wound drainage
• B. Initiate normal saline IV at 50 ml/hr
• C. Administer a loading dose of penicillin IM
• D. Administer the initial dose of folic acid PO

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a child with a sickle cell crisis, the priority intervention is to initiate normal saline IV at 50 ml/hr to manage dehydration and help alleviate pain. This intervention helps improve hydration status and supports the circulation of sickled red blood cells, reducing the risk of vaso-occlusive episodes and associated pain. Obtaining a culture of any sputum or wound drainage (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the initial priority. Administering a loading dose of penicillin IM (Choice C) is important but not the first intervention. Administering the initial dose of folic acid PO (Choice D) is beneficial but does not address the immediate need for hydration in a sickle cell crisis.

2. During a prenatal visit, the LPN/LVN discusses with a client the effects of smoking on the fetus. When compared with nonsmokers, mothers who smoke during pregnancy tend to produce infants who have

• A. lower Apgar scores.
• B. lower birth weights.
• C. respiratory distress.
• D. a higher rate of congenital anomalies.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When mothers smoke during pregnancy, it is associated with intrauterine growth restriction, which leads to lower birth weights in infants. Maternal smoking can restrict the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus, affecting its growth and development. This can result in babies being born with lower birth weights, which can have various health implications for the newborn. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as smoking during pregnancy is primarily linked to intrauterine growth restriction and lower birth weights in infants, rather than lower Apgar scores, respiratory distress, or a higher rate of congenital anomalies.

3. A newborn's parents tell the nurse that their baby is already trying to walk. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Encourage the parents to report this to the healthcare provider.
• B. Acknowledge the parents' observation.
• C. Schedule the newborn for further neurological testing.
• D. Explain the newborn’s normal stepping reflex.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When parents report that their newborn is trying to walk, the nurse should understand that newborns exhibit a stepping reflex, which is a normal developmental response. Explaining this reflex to the parents helps them understand that it is a typical behavior seen in newborns rather than true attempts to walk. Encouraging the parents to report this to the healthcare provider (Choice A) may cause unnecessary concern since the stepping reflex is a normal part of newborn development. Acknowledging the parents' observation (Choice B) is a good communication strategy but providing education on the normal reflex is essential. Scheduling the newborn for further neurological testing (Choice C) is not indicated in this scenario as the stepping reflex is a typical finding in newborns.

4. A laboring client’s membranes rupture spontaneously. The nurse notices that the amniotic fluid is greenish-brown. What intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Turn the client to her left side
• B. Contact the healthcare provider
• C. Assess the fetal heart rate
• D. Check the cervical dilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the fetal heart rate. When amniotic fluid is greenish-brown, it may indicate the presence of meconium, which can be concerning as it may lead to fetal distress. Assessing the fetal heart rate will help determine the well-being of the fetus and guide further actions to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

5. At 39-weeks gestation, a multigravida is having a nonstress test (NST), the fetal heart rate (FHR) has remained non-reactive during 30 minutes of evaluation. Based on this finding, which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Initiate an intravenous infusion.
• B. Observe the FHR pattern for 30 more minutes.
• C. Schedule a biophysical profile.
• D. Place an acoustic stimulator on the abdomen.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where the fetal heart rate remains non-reactive during an NST, using an acoustic stimulator on the abdomen can help stimulate fetal movement and promote heart rate reactivity. This intervention aims to assess the fetus's well-being and response to external stimuli, which can provide valuable information about fetal health status.

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