Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.

2. A healthcare provider is assessing a 2-year-old child with suspected Down syndrome. What characteristic physical feature is the healthcare provider likely to observe?

• A. Epicanthal folds
• B. Webbed neck
• C. Enlarged head
• D. Polydactyly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Epicanthal folds are a common physical feature seen in individuals with Down syndrome. These are folds of skin that cover the inner corners of the eyes. Webbed neck (Choice B) is associated with Turner syndrome, not Down syndrome. Enlarged head (Choice C) is not a typical physical characteristic of Down syndrome. Polydactyly (Choice D) is the presence of extra fingers or toes, which is not specifically related to Down syndrome.

3. A nurse plans to talk to the parents of a toddler about toilet training. What should the nurse explain is the most important factor in the process of toilet training?

• A. Parents' attitude about it
• B. Child's desire to remain dry
• C. Child's ability to sit still on the toilet
• D. Parents' willingness to work at the toilet training

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial factor in the process of toilet training is the parents' willingness to consistently engage and work with their child. While parents' attitude and the child's desire to remain dry can influence the process, the key to successful toilet training lies in the parents' commitment and effort. The child's ability to sit still on the toilet is important but not as critical as the parents' active involvement and support in guiding and encouraging the child through the training process.

4. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who says, “My baby stopped breathing for a while.” The infant continues to have difficulty breathing, with prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?

• A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
• B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
• C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
• D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles can be signs of respiratory distress, which may indicate trauma such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Shaken baby syndrome can result in brain injury and respiratory compromise, leading to breathing difficulties. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be associated with SBS. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation is more related to prematurity rather than SBS. The lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds, as well as previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds, are not specific indicators of SBS.

5. 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. place the patient in the recovery position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old is presenting with signs of airway compromise due to the fall. After performing a jaw-thrust maneuver to open the airway while stabilizing the head to prevent further injury, the next step should be to suction the oropharynx. Suctioning helps to clear any blood or secretions from the mouth and throat, ensuring a clear airway for proper breathing. Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway or initiating positive pressure ventilations would be premature without first ensuring the airway is clear. Placing the patient in the recovery position is not indicated at this point as the focus should be on managing the airway.

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