Nursing Elites

1. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and administer supplemental oxygen. En route to the hospital, you should be MOST alert for:

• A. hypotension.
• B. combativeness.
• C. convulsions.
• D. respiratory distress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 7-year-old child with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, the most critical concern is the potential for convulsions. These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a febrile seizure or another type of seizure activity. Monitoring for convulsions is crucial during transport to ensure prompt intervention if they occur, as seizures can lead to additional complications and require immediate management.

2. A 3-year-old female presents with respiratory distress. She is conscious, crying, and clinging to her mother. She has mild intercostal retractions and an oxygen saturation of 93%. The MOST effective way of delivering oxygen to her involves:

• A. gently restraining her and assisting with ventilations.
• B. ventilations with a flow-restricted, oxygen-powered device.
• C. a non-rebreathing mask with the flow rate set at 6 to 8 L/min.
• D. asking the mother to hold an oxygen mask near her face.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a pediatric patient with respiratory distress, a non-rebreathing mask with a flow rate set at 6 to 8 L/min is the most effective way to deliver oxygen. This method ensures a high concentration of oxygen is delivered to the child, aiding in improving oxygen saturation levels. In this scenario, the mother can assist in holding the mask to maintain comfort and cooperation in the child while ensuring proper oxygen delivery.

3. Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?

• A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
• B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
• C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
• D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.

4. What comment made by a parent of a 1-month-old would alert the nurse about the presence of a congenital heart defect?

• A. He is always hungry.
• B. He tires out during feedings.
• C. He is fussy for several hours every day.
• D. He sleeps all the time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing a 1-month-old tiring out during feedings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a congenital heart defect. This symptom may indicate that the infant is expending excess energy to compensate for a heart issue, leading to fatigue during feeding. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to a congenital heart defect. Being always hungry, fussy, or sleeping a lot are not specific signs of a congenital heart defect in a 1-month-old.

5. When does the rash in typhoid fever typically appear?

• A. On the second day after symptoms appear
• B. On the third day after symptoms appear
• C. On the fourth day after symptoms appear
• D. On the seventh day after symptoms appear

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In typhoid fever, the rash typically appears on the third day after symptoms first appear. This rash can help in diagnosing the disease along with other symptoms such as fever, malaise, and abdominal pain. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the rash in typhoid fever usually appears on the third day, not the second, fourth, or seventh day after the symptoms begin.

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