Nursing Elites

1. A newborn with an anorectal anomaly had an anoplasty performed. At the 2-week follow-up visit, a series of anal dilations is begun. What should the nurse recommend to the parents to help prevent the infant from becoming constipated?

• A. Use a soy formula if necessary.
• B. Breastfeed if possible.
• C. Avoid administering a suppository nightly.
• D. Do not offer glucose water between feedings.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breastfeeding is recommended to help prevent constipation in infants due to the easily digestible nature of breast milk, which often leads to softer stools. Breastfeeding is preferred over formula feeding as it provides optimal nutrition for the infant's digestive system. Choice A, using a soy formula if necessary, may be considered only if there are specific dietary concerns or allergies; however, breast milk is still the preferred option. Choice C, avoiding administering a suppository nightly, is correct as it is not a routine method for preventing constipation in infants and may not be appropriate without medical advice. Choice D, not offering glucose water between feedings, is recommended as it may not address the root cause of constipation and may introduce unnecessary sugar to the infant's diet.

2. A 4-year-old fell from a third-story window and landed on her head. She is semiconscious with slow, irregular breathing and bleeding from her mouth. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with simultaneous stabilization of her head, what should you do next?

• A. Suction the oropharynx
• B. Insert a nasopharyngeal airway
• C. Initiate positive pressure ventilations
• D. Administer oxygen via mask

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is experiencing airway compromise due to the fall and potential oropharyngeal obstruction from bleeding. Performing a jaw-thrust maneuver with head stabilization helps maintain the airway patency. The next step should be to suction the oropharynx to clear any blood or secretions, which can obstruct the airway and lead to aspiration. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway may worsen bleeding or cause further injury to the patient's airway. Initiating positive pressure ventilations can be ineffective if the airway is not cleared first. Administering oxygen via mask is not the immediate priority; ensuring a patent airway by suctioning takes precedence.

3. A 3-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering IV immunoglobulin
• B. Monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms
• C. Encouraging fluid intake
• D. Providing nutritional support

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a 3-year-old child with Kawasaki disease is monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms. Kawasaki disease can lead to coronary artery complications, making early detection crucial in preventing serious outcomes. Administering IV immunoglobulin is a standard treatment for Kawasaki disease but does not take precedence over monitoring for potential complications. Encouraging fluid intake and providing nutritional support are important aspects of care but are not the priority when compared to monitoring for coronary artery aneurysms to prevent long-term cardiac issues.

4. A healthcare professional is reviewing the clinical records of infants and children with cardiac disorders who developed heart failure. What did the professional determine is the last sign of heart failure?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Peripheral edema
• D. Periorbital edema

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema is often considered the last sign of heart failure in infants and children. It indicates significant fluid retention and circulatory compromise. Tachypnea (increased respiratory rate) and tachycardia (increased heart rate) are early signs of heart failure due to inadequate cardiac output. Periorbital edema, while a sign of excess fluid, typically occurs earlier in the progression of heart failure compared to peripheral edema.

5. A child with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the child’s care plan?

• A. Monitoring fluid status
• B. Encouraging activity
• C. Promoting a high-calorie diet
• D. Maintaining oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload which can worsen their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications like congestive heart failure. Encouraging activity (Choice B) should be individualized based on the child's condition and tolerance, as excessive activity can strain the heart. Promoting a high-calorie diet (Choice C) is not typically recommended for children with congenital heart disease unless specifically indicated, as excessive weight gain can worsen their cardiac function. Maintaining oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but monitoring fluid status is a more fundamental aspect of care for children with congenital heart disease.

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