Nursing Elites

1. A 9-month-old infant who is not sitting independently has been diagnosed with ataxic cerebral palsy (CP). Which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to see in the baby?

• A. Hypotonia and muscle instability
• B. Hypertonia and persistence of primitive reflexes
• C. Tremors and exaggerated posturing
• D. Hemiplegia and hypertonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In ataxic cerebral palsy, the characteristic features include hypotonia (low muscle tone) and muscle instability. These manifestations contribute to the infant's difficulty in achieving independent sitting. Hypertonia (increased muscle tone) and persistence of primitive reflexes, as mentioned in option B, are more commonly associated with other types of cerebral palsy like spastic CP. Tremors and exaggerated posturing (option C) are not typical features of ataxic CP. Hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body) and hypertonia (increased muscle tone) mentioned in option D are more commonly seen in other types of cerebral palsy, such as spastic CP.

2. A caregiver is providing teaching about car seat use to the mother of a six-month-old infant. Which of the following statements by the mother indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should secure the car seat using lower anchors and tethers instead of the seat belt
• B. I should position the car seat harness one inch above my baby's shoulders
• C. I will make sure that the car seat is placed at a 90-degree angle
• D. I will pad my baby's car seat with a blanket for traveling long distances

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Lower anchors and tethers, known as the LATCH child safety seat system, should be used to secure an infant's car seat in the vehicle. This system provides a safer and more secure way of installing the car seat compared to using the seat belt alone. Using the lower anchors and tethers ensures proper installation and reduces the risk of car seat movement during travel, providing optimal protection for the infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because the car seat harness should be positioned at or below the baby's shoulders, not above. Choice C is incorrect because the car seat should be positioned at the correct recline angle recommended by the car seat manufacturer, which may not necessarily be 90 degrees. Choice D is incorrect because adding padding like a blanket to the car seat is not recommended as it can interfere with the proper fit and function of the car seat, potentially compromising the safety of the infant.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia. Which of the following findings is the priority for the healthcare provider to report?

• A. Bruising
• B. Petechiae
• C. Elevated WBC count
• D. Elevated platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority finding to report for a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia is petechiae. Petechiae indicate a low platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, the healthcare provider should promptly report petechiae to initiate appropriate interventions to prevent bleeding complications.

4. When teaching a parent of a 2-month-old infant with acute gastroenteritis who is bottle feeding, which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Offer Pedialyte between formula feedings.
• B. Feed the infant every 6 hours.
• C. Give diluted apple juice if the infant becomes dehydrated.
• D. Switch to soy-based formula permanently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of acute gastroenteritis in a 2-month-old infant who is bottle feeding, the nurse should recommend offering Pedialyte between formula feedings. This helps prevent dehydration and ensures that the infant receives essential electrolytes and fluids to aid in recovery. Pedialyte is specifically formulated to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea, making it a suitable choice for infants with gastroenteritis. Choice B is incorrect because infants with acute gastroenteritis should be fed more frequently to prevent dehydration. Choice C is incorrect as apple juice is not recommended for infants with gastroenteritis; Pedialyte or oral rehydration solutions are preferred. Choice D is incorrect because switching to soy-based formula permanently is not necessary for managing acute gastroenteritis; Pedialyte and continuing with the current formula are more appropriate.

5. When teaching parents of a school-aged child with a new diagnosis of osteomyelitis of the tibia, which statement by the parents indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. My child will have a cast until healing is complete.
• B. My child will receive antibiotics for several weeks.
• C. My child can return to playing sports once he is discharged.
• D. My child needs to be in contact isolation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Osteomyelitis of the tibia typically requires antibiotic therapy for at least 4 weeks. Surgery may be necessary if the infection does not respond to antibiotics. Weight-bearing should be avoided with osteomyelitis to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a cast until healing, returning to sports immediately, and contact isolation are not primary management strategies for osteomyelitis.

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