Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. After clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress, what is the most important action to take next?

• A. Administer free-flow oxygen
• B. Clamp and cut the cord
• C. Keep the newborn warm
• D. Obtain an APGAR score

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial immediately after clearing the airway to prevent hypothermia, which can lead to complications in newborns. Administering free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after ensuring the newborn's warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important but can be done after ensuring the newborn is kept warm and stable.

3. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are necessary after open-heart surgery to facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the chest cavity. These tubes help prevent complications such as pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural space) or cardiac tamponade (build-up of fluid in the pericardial sac), which can be serious postoperative issues. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because chest tubes are primarily used for draining purposes and not for increasing tidal volumes, maintaining positive intrapleural pressure, or regulating pressure on the pericardium and chest wall.

4. When evaluating the laboratory report of a 1-year-old infant’s hematocrit, a healthcare provider compares it with the expected hematocrit range for this age group. What is the hematocrit of a healthy 12-month-old infant?

• A. 19% to 32%
• B. 29% to 41%
• C. 37% to 47%
• D. 42% to 69%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct hematocrit range for a healthy 12-month-old infant is between 37% to 47%. At this age, this range reflects the normal blood volume and red blood cell (RBC) levels in infants. Choice A (19% to 32%) is too low for a healthy hematocrit level in a 12-month-old. Choice B (29% to 41%) is also below the typical range for a 12-month-old. Choice D (42% to 69%) includes an upper limit that is higher than expected for a healthy infant, making it an incorrect option.

5. What is the primary treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

• A. corticosteroids
• B. antihypertensive agents
• C. long-term diuretics
• D. increased fluids to promote diuresis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome due to their immunosuppressive effects, which help reduce proteinuria and control the disease progression. Antihypertensive agents are not the primary treatment for this condition and are typically used to manage hypertension that may result from nephrotic syndrome. Long-term diuretics are not indicated in the treatment of minimal change nephrotic syndrome as they do not address the underlying cause. Increasing fluids to promote diuresis is not a recommended treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome, as it can exacerbate edema and fluid overload in these patients.

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