Nursing Elites

1. When administering IV fluids to a dehydrated infant, what intervention is most important at this time?

• A. Continuing the prescribed flow rate
• B. Monitoring the intravenous drop rate
• C. Calculating the total necessary intake
• D. Maintaining the fluid at body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring the intravenous drop rate is the most crucial intervention when administering IV fluids to a dehydrated infant. This ensures that the correct amount of fluids is being delivered to the infant at the appropriate rate. While continuing the prescribed flow rate (Choice A) may be important, it does not allow for real-time adjustments that may be necessary during the infusion. Calculating the total necessary intake (Choice C) should have been determined before initiating IV therapy. Maintaining the fluid at body temperature (Choice D) is important for patient comfort but is not as critical as ensuring the proper administration of fluids.

2. While assessing a child admitted for an asthma attack, a nurse in the emergency department observes large welts and scars on the child's back. What additional information must be included in the nurse’s assessment?

• A. History of an injury
• B. Signs of child abuse
• C. Presence of food allergies
• D. Recent recovery from chickenpox

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of child abuse. When a nurse observes large welts and scars on a child, it raises concern for possible child abuse. It is crucial for the nurse to assess further for signs of abuse, document findings, and report appropriately to protect the child. Choice A, history of an injury, is not specific to potential abuse and may not provide insight into the current situation. Choice C, presence of food allergies, is not directly related to the observed welts and scars. Choice D, recent recovery from chickenpox, is also unrelated to the signs of abuse and does not impact the immediate assessment of the child's safety.

3. A child with a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting. What does this type of congenital disorder lead to primarily?

• A. Elevated hematocrit
• B. Severe growth retardation
• C. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
• D. Increased blood flow to the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Left-to-right shunting in a cardiac malformation results in increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased blood flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a characteristic directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not a typical manifestation of this type of congenital disorder. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions like chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases, not specifically with left-to-right shunting and associated cardiac malformations.

4. Parents of a sick infant talk with a nurse about their baby. One parent says, “I am so upset; I didn’t realize our baby was ill.” What major indication of illness in an infant should the nurse explain to the parent?

• A. Grunting respirations
• B. Excessive perspiration
• C. Longer periods of sleep
• D. Crying immediately after feedings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Longer periods of sleep than usual can be a sign of illness in infants. When an infant sleeps more than usual, it may indicate that the baby is conserving energy due to an underlying condition. Grunting respirations (choice A) can be a sign of respiratory distress, excessive perspiration (choice B) may indicate overheating or fever, and crying immediately after feedings (choice D) can be a sign of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as colic or reflux. However, in this scenario, the emphasis is on changes in sleep patterns as a potential indicator of illness.

5. Which cardiac defects are associated with tetralogy of Fallot?

• A. Right ventricular hypertrophy, atrial and ventricular defects, and mitral valve stenosis
• B. Origin of the aorta from the right ventricle and of the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle
• C. Right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, and overriding aorta
• D. Altered connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an atrial septal defect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tetralogy of Fallot is characterized by a combination of four specific cardiac defects: right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, and overriding aorta. Choice A is incorrect as it includes mitral valve stenosis, which is not typically part of tetralogy of Fallot. Choice B describes transposition of the great arteries rather than tetralogy of Fallot. Choice D includes an atrial septal defect, which is not part of the classic presentation of tetralogy of Fallot.

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