Nursing Elites

1. When a family decides to withhold 'extraordinary care' for a newborn with severe abnormalities, what does this decision indicate?

• A. The newborn has no rights.
• B. It is the same as euthanasia.
• C. It is illegal professional practice.
• D. The newborn is being allowed to die.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a family decides to withhold 'extraordinary care' for a newborn with severe abnormalities, it means that aggressive interventions will not be pursued, allowing the newborn to die naturally. This decision is legal and ethical, respecting the principle of non-maleficence by avoiding unnecessary suffering. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights, but the decision to withhold extraordinary care is based on ethical considerations. Choice B is incorrect as withholding care is not the same as euthanasia, which involves actively ending life. Choice C is incorrect as long as the decision is made within legal and ethical boundaries, it is not considered illegal professional practice.

2. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m. her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

• A. Notifying the doctor immediately
• B. Applying ice
• C. Elevating the arm
• D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or giving additional pain medication may not address the underlying cause of the unrelenting pain, which could be a sign of a serious complication like compartment syndrome. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation to prevent potential complications.

3. The nurse closely monitors the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The purpose of this assessment is to detect an early sign of which possible complication?

• A. infection
• B. hypertension
• C. encephalopathy
• D. edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring the temperature of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is crucial to detect early signs of infection. Infection is a common complication in nephrotic syndrome, and fever can be an early indicator. Hypertension (choice B) is not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome. Encephalopathy (choice C) is a neurological complication and would present with altered mental status rather than a change in temperature. Edema (choice D) is a common symptom of nephrotic syndrome but is not typically monitored through temperature assessment.

4. During a physical examination of a 9-month-old baby, the nurse observes a flat, discolored area on the skin. The nurse documents this as a:

• A. Papule.
• B. Macule.
• C. Vesicle.
• D. Scale.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Macule. A macule is a flat, discolored area on the skin that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. This term is used to describe conditions like freckles or petechiae. Choice A, Papule, refers to a small, solid, raised skin lesion (<0.5 cm) like a pimple. Choice C, Vesicle, describes a small blister filled with clear fluid. Choice D, Scale, refers to flakes or plates of dead skin that may be dry or greasy.

5. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As part of the plan of care, the nurse focuses on maintaining his cardiopulmonary function. Which intervention would the nurse implement to best promote maximum chest expansion?

• A. Deep-breathing exercises
• B. Upright positioning
• C. Coughing
• D. Chest percussion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Upright positioning is the most appropriate intervention to promote maximum chest expansion in a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By keeping the child in an upright position, lung expansion is maximized, which improves breathing efficiency. Deep-breathing exercises may help with overall lung function but do not directly promote chest expansion. Coughing and chest percussion are more related to airway clearance and do not specifically address maximizing chest expansion.

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