Nursing Elites

1. When teaching a class of new parents about positioning their infants during the first few weeks of life, which position is safest?

• A. On the back, lying flat
• B. On either side, lying flat
• C. Head slightly elevated on the left side
• D. Head slightly elevated on the right side

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'On the back, lying flat'. Placing infants on their back to sleep is recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This position helps ensure the baby's airway remains clear and reduces the likelihood of suffocation. Choices B, C, and D are not as safe as placing the infant on their back, as they may increase the risk of accidental suffocation or SIDS.

2. A parent and 4-year-old child who recently emigrated from Colombia arrive at the pediatric clinic. The child has a temperature of 102°F, is irritable, and has a runny nose. Inspection reveals a rash and several small, red, irregularly shaped spots with blue-white centers in the mouth. What illness does the nurse suspect the child has?

• A. Measles
• B. Chickenpox
• C. Fifth disease
• D. Scarlet fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should suspect measles in this child. The presence of a high fever, irritability, runny nose, rash, and Koplik spots (small, red spots with blue-white centers in the mouth) are classic signs of measles. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications if not managed promptly. Chickenpox (choice B) presents with a different rash pattern and does not typically involve Koplik spots. Fifth disease (choice C) and scarlet fever (choice D) also have distinct clinical presentations and are not characterized by the specific symptoms described in this case.

3. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

4. Why does a cleft lip predispose an infant to infection?

• A. Waste products accumulate along the defect.
• B. There is evidence of inadequate circulation in the defective area.
• C. Nutrition is inadequate due to ineffective feeding.
• D. Mouth breathing dries the oropharyngeal mucous membranes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Mouth breathing due to a cleft lip can dry the mucous membranes, making them more susceptible to infection. Choice A is incorrect because waste products do not accumulate along the defect to predispose the infant to infection. Choice B is incorrect as there is no evidence of inadequate circulation being a primary factor in infection predisposition in cleft lip cases. Choice C is incorrect because although ineffective feeding may lead to other issues, it is not the main reason for infection predisposition in infants with a cleft lip.

5. A parent brings an 18-month-old toddler to the clinic. The parent states, 'My child is so difficult to please, has temper tantrums, and annoys me by throwing food from the table.' What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Toddlers need discipline to prevent the development of antisocial behaviors.”
• B. “Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.”
• C. “It is best to leave the toddler alone in the crib after calmly explaining why the behavior is unacceptable.”
• D. “This is the way a toddler expresses needs, and this behavior is acceptable during the initiative stage of development.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Toddlers are learning to assert independence, and this behavior is expected at this age.' At 18 months old, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and testing boundaries. It is normal for them to exhibit behaviors such as temper tantrums and defiance as they explore their independence. Choice A is incorrect as discipline at this age is more about setting limits and providing guidance rather than preventing antisocial behaviors. Choice C is inappropriate as leaving a toddler alone in a crib after explaining unacceptable behavior is not a recommended approach for managing toddler behavior. Choice D is incorrect as the described behavior is typical of toddlers asserting independence, not related to the initiative stage of development. The best response involves acknowledging the child's developmental stage and understanding that these behaviors are part of their normal growth and development.

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