Nursing Elites

1. What behavior is essential for preventing in a child postoperatively after undergoing heart surgery to repair defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot?

• A. Crying
• B. Coughing
• C. Straining at stool
• D. Unnecessary movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing straining at stool is crucial postoperatively after heart surgery for tetralogy of Fallot to avoid increasing intrathoracic pressure and placing stress on the surgical site. This can help prevent complications and promote faster healing. While crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement are common postoperative behaviors, they are not specifically linked to worsening outcomes in this context. Straining at stool is particularly emphasized due to its potential to impact the surgical site and overall recovery process.

2. A 6-year-old child with asthma is admitted to the hospital with an acute exacerbation. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering a bronchodilator
• B. Administering an antihistamine
• C. Administering a corticosteroid
• D. Administering oxygen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a bronchodilator is the priority intervention for a child experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. Bronchodilators help to dilate the airways quickly, providing immediate relief by opening up the narrowed air passages in asthma. Antihistamines are not the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations and may not address the underlying bronchoconstriction. Corticosteroids are important for long-term control of asthma but may take longer to have an effect compared to bronchodilators. Administering oxygen is essential for hypoxemia in asthma exacerbations, but the priority is to relieve bronchoconstriction promptly with a bronchodilator.

3. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

4. What intervention best meets a major developmental need of a newborn in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Giving a pacifier to the newborn
• B. Putting a mobile over the newborn’s crib
• C. Providing the newborn with a soft, cuddly toy
• D. Warming the newborn’s formula before feeding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is giving a pacifier to the newborn. Sucking is a natural reflex and a source of comfort for newborns, especially postoperatively. A pacifier can help meet their developmental needs by providing soothing comfort. Choices B, C, and D do not directly address the major developmental need related to the newborn's comfort and reflexes postoperatively. Putting a mobile over the crib, providing a cuddly toy, or warming formula, although potentially beneficial in other contexts, do not specifically target the developmental need of sucking for comfort. Offering a pacifier is a safe and effective way to address this developmental need in newborns.

5. The caregiver is caring for an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta and is providing instruction on how to reduce the risk of injury. Which response from the caregiver indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I need to avoid pushing or pulling on an arm or leg.
• B. I should carefully lift the baby by supporting the head and neck.
• C. I should not bend an arm or leg into an awkward position.
• D. We must avoid lifting the legs by the ankles to change diapers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lifting the baby by supporting the head and neck can cause fractures in infants with osteogenesis imperfecta. Caregivers should avoid lifting infants in this manner due to the risk of injury. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate correct understanding of how to prevent injuries in infants with osteogenesis imperfecta by avoiding excessive force on the arms or legs, preventing awkward positions, and lifting the legs in a safer manner to change diapers.

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