Nursing Elites

1. A female child, age 2, is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown number of aspirin tablets about 30 minutes earlier. Her father is blaming the mother for neglecting the child while she was cooking. On entering the examination room, the child is crying and clinging to the mother. Which data should the nurse obtain first?

• A. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure
• B. Recent exposure to communicable diseases
• C. Number of immunizations received
• D. Height and weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the priority is to assess the child's vital signs first, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. These data will provide critical information on the child's current physiological status and guide further interventions. Option B, recent exposure to communicable diseases, is not the priority in an acute ingestion situation. Option C, number of immunizations received, and option D, height and weight, are important but not as critical as assessing vital signs in this immediate situation.

2. A 30-year-old woman is 22 weeks pregnant with her first child. She tells you that her rings are not fitting as loosely as they usually do and that her ankles are swollen. Her blood pressure is 150/86 mm Hg. She is MOST likely experiencing:

• A. a condition unrelated to pregnancy.
• B. gestational diabetes.
• C. a hypertensive emergency.
• D. preeclampsia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms of swollen ankles, tight rings, and elevated blood pressure in a pregnant woman at 22 weeks gestation are concerning for preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage, commonly seen with symptoms such as swelling (edema) and protein in the urine. It is crucial to monitor and manage preeclampsia promptly as it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby.

3. As a nurse caring for Asana, a 9-year-old girl with the stature of a 4-year-old due to growth hormone deficiency, which of the following will be your priority during follow-up visits?

• A. Vital signs monitoring
• B. Height and weight monitoring
• C. Bone age studies
• D. Dietary assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Height and weight monitoring are essential for evaluating the growth progress in a child with growth hormone deficiency. Regular monitoring helps assess the effectiveness of treatment and ensures appropriate growth trajectory for the child.

4. Which of the following signs is MOST indicative of inadequate breathing in an infant?

• A. Sunken fontanelles
• B. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• C. Expiratory grunting
• D. Abdominal breathing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Expiratory grunting is a significant sign of inadequate breathing and respiratory distress in infants. It indicates that the infant is struggling to exhale properly, which can be a sign of various respiratory issues, including lung problems or airway obstruction. Monitoring and recognizing this sign promptly can help in providing timely interventions to support the infant's breathing and prevent further complications.

5. You are treating a 5-year-old child who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. Supplemental oxygen has been given, and you have elevated his lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that his work of breathing has increased. You should:

• A. begin positive-pressure ventilations and reassess the child.
• B. lower the extremities and reassess the child.
• C. listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds.
• D. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the work of breathing increases after elevating the legs, it is important to lower the extremities. Elevating the lower extremities in a child with signs of shock can worsen the condition by reducing venous return to the heart. Lowering the extremities can help improve venous return and potentially alleviate the increased work of breathing.

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