Nursing Elites

1. A clinic nurse reviews the record of a child just seen by a doctor and diagnosed with suspected aortic stenosis. The nurse expects to note documentation of which clinical manifestation specifically found in this disorder?

• A. Pallor
• B. Hyperactivity
• C. Exercise intolerance
• D. Gastrointestinal disturbances

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aortic stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, leading to reduced blood flow from the heart to the body. This narrowing restricts the amount of oxygenated blood that can reach various tissues, including muscles. As a result, individuals with aortic stenosis may experience exercise intolerance, as their muscles may not receive an adequate oxygen supply during physical activity. This can manifest as fatigue, shortness of breath, and overall decreased exercise capacity. Pallor (choice A) is a pale appearance that may be seen in anemia or other conditions affecting blood flow but is not specific to aortic stenosis. Hyperactivity (choice B) and gastrointestinal disturbances (choice D) are not typically associated with aortic stenosis.

2. What action should you take if a newborn's heart rate is 50 beats/min?

• A. Begin chest compressions.
• B. Reassess in 30 seconds.
• C. Administer blow-by oxygen.
• D. Start positive-pressure ventilations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If a newborn's heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, the appropriate action is to start positive-pressure ventilations. Ventilations help deliver oxygen to the newborn's body and support respiratory function, which is critical in cases of bradycardia. Chest compressions are not recommended until the heart rate is below 60 despite adequate ventilation. Reassessment is essential but not the immediate action required in this scenario. Administering blow-by oxygen alone may not effectively address the underlying cause of bradycardia, making positive-pressure ventilations the priority intervention in this case.

3. 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.

4. You have arrived for your shift on the children's ward and need to assess a 2-year-old who is accompanied by his father. Identify the appropriate strategy to successfully complete a focused assessment:

• A. Allow the child to inspect the equipment for faults before and during assessment
• B. Ask parent to leave room until assessment has been completed
• C. Perform traumatic or invasive procedures first
• D. Have the child sit in parents lap and request assistance if necessary

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Having the child sit in parent's lap can help reduce anxiety and allow for a more accurate assessment.

5. After providing home care instructions to the mother of a child being discharged following cardiac surgery, which statement made by the mother indicates a need for further instructions?

• A. A balance of rest and exercise is important.
• B. I can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy.
• C. Activities in which falling could occur need to be avoided for two to four weeks.
• D. Large crowds of people need to be avoided for at least two weeks after the surgery.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The mother stating that she can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy indicates a need for further instructions. Applying lotion or powder to the incision is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. The other choices are correct: A) Balancing rest and exercise is important for recovery, C) avoiding activities where falling could occur is necessary to prevent injury, and D) avoiding large crowds helps reduce the risk of infections during the initial recovery period.

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