Nursing Elites

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

• A. vomiting
• B. seizures
• C. combativeness
• D. respiratory distress

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Seizures are a common complication in children with high fever and altered mental status, indicating a risk of febrile seizures. While vomiting can occur with altered mental status, seizures are of higher concern due to the association with febrile illnesses in children. Combativeness may be a concern in some altered mental status cases but is not as common as seizures. Respiratory distress, although important, is not the primary concern in this scenario given the symptoms presented.

2. A 4-year-old fell from a third-story window and landed on her head. She is semiconscious with slow, irregular breathing and bleeding from her mouth. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with simultaneous stabilization of her head, what should you do next?

• A. suction the oropharynx
• B. insert a nasopharyngeal airway
• C. initiate positive pressure ventilations
• D. place the patient in the recovery position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old is presenting with signs of airway compromise due to the fall. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway while stabilizing the head to prevent further injury, the next step should be to suction the oropharynx. Suctioning helps to clear any blood or secretions from the mouth and throat, ensuring a clear airway for proper breathing. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway or initiating positive pressure ventilations would be premature without first ensuring the airway is clear. Placing the patient in the recovery position is not indicated at this point as the focus should be on managing the airway.

3. When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, general guidelines include

• A. examining the child in the parent's arms
• B. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first
• C. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen
• D. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach helps reduce anxiety, provide comfort, and establish trust with the child. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first (Choice B) may cause discomfort and increase anxiety in the child. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice C) without considering the child's comfort and security may lead to resistance and inaccurate assessment. Separating the child from the parent (Choice D) can exacerbate the child's anxiety and hinder the examination process. Therefore, examining the child in the parent's arms is the most appropriate approach in this scenario.

4. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. Which of the following statements regarding crowning is true?

• A. Crowning represents the end of the second stage of labor.
• B. Crowning always occurs immediately after the amniotic sac has ruptured.
• C. It is safe to transport the patient during crowning if the hospital is close.
• D. Gentle pressure should be applied to the baby's head during crowning.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During crowning, it is important to apply gentle pressure to the baby's head. This helps to prevent rapid delivery, which can lead to tearing and other complications for both the mother and the baby. Applying pressure also helps to control the delivery process, ensuring a safer and more controlled birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because crowning does not signify the end of the second stage of labor, does not always occur immediately after the amniotic sac ruptures, and it is not safe to transport the patient during crowning, especially if the hospital is nearby, as rapid delivery can occur.

5. After the nurse has completed an oral examination of a healthy 2-year-old child, the parent asks when the child should first be taken to the dentist. When is the most appropriate time in the child’s life for the nurse to suggest?

• A. Before starting school
• B. Within the next few months
• C. When the first deciduous teeth are lost
• D. At the next dental check-up for a family member

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate time for a child to first visit the dentist is within the next few months after turning two years old. This visit allows the dentist to assess the child's oral health, provide guidance on proper oral hygiene practices, and establish a positive relationship with dental care. Choice A (Before starting school) is not as specific and timely as the recommended age of 2 years. Choice C (When the first deciduous teeth are lost) is not ideal as preventive dental visits should start earlier to establish good oral health habits. Choice D (At the next dental check-up for a family member) may delay the child's first dental visit, missing the opportunity for early preventive care and guidance.

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