Nursing Elites

1. What explanation should the nurse provide to the parents of a 6-month-old infant diagnosed with cystic fibrosis?

• A. It is a condition affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
• B. It is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs.
• C. It is a genetic disorder that can be managed with medication.
• D. It is a condition caused by prenatal exposure to toxins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It results in the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. This explanation is crucial for parents to understand the impact of the condition on their child's health. Choice B is incorrect because cystic fibrosis is not an autoimmune disorder. Choice C is partially correct in that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, but it requires a comprehensive management approach beyond just medication. Choice D is incorrect as cystic fibrosis is not caused by prenatal exposure to toxins but rather by inheriting specific genetic mutations.

2. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress, and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respiratory rates of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse failed to report or document the slow respiratory rate of the infant, which later led to severe respiratory distress. It is crucial to understand that any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported promptly. This documentation is vital for monitoring the infant's condition, identifying potential issues, and ensuring timely intervention if needed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they downplay the significance of abnormal vital signs and fail to emphasize the importance of documentation and reporting in infant care.

3. What should be the priority action when caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis?

• A. Initiate measures to reduce fever.
• B. Ensure delivery of humidified oxygen.
• C. Provide support to reduce apprehension.
• D. Continually assess the respiratory status.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action when caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis is to continually assess the respiratory status (Option D). Acute laryngotracheobronchitis can potentially lead to respiratory distress, making continuous monitoring crucial to identify early signs of deterioration and intervene promptly. While options A, B, and C are also important aspects of care, they do not take precedence over respiratory assessment in this critical situation. Initiating measures to reduce fever (Option A), ensuring oxygen delivery (Option B), and providing emotional support (Option C) are all significant interventions, but without ongoing assessment of respiratory status, there is a risk of missing potential respiratory deterioration.

4. The school nurse is presenting a class to a group of students about common overuse disorders. Which disorder would the school nurse include?

• A. Dislocated radial head
• B. Transient synovitis of the hip
• C. Osgood-Schlatter disease
• D. Scoliosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common overuse injury that specifically affects the knee. It is characterized by inflammation of the patellar ligament at the tibial tuberosity due to repetitive strain on the growth plate during activities such as running and jumping. Dislocated radial head (Choice A) is not an overuse disorder but rather an injury usually seen in young children. Transient synovitis of the hip (Choice B) is an acute hip condition and not typically classified as an overuse disorder. Scoliosis (Choice D) is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and is not considered an overuse disorder.

5. While assessing an 18-month-old child, a nurse observes that the toddler can crawl upstairs but needs assistance when climbing the stairs upright. What does this action indicate to the nurse?

• A. Presence of talipes equinovarus
• B. Reflective of neurologic damage
• C. Expected behavior in a toddler of this age
• D. Existence of developmental dysplasia of the hip

Correct answer: C

Rationale: At 18 months of age, needing assistance to climb stairs upright is considered normal behavior for a toddler. Crawling upstairs is a different motor skill and does not necessarily correlate with the ability to climb stairs. The child is still developing gross motor skills, and climbing stairs upright typically requires more coordination and strength, which may not be fully developed at this age. Choices A, B, and D are not relevant in this scenario as the observed behavior is within the expected range of development for an 18-month-old child.

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