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. A parent tells the nurse in the emergency department, 'My 3-year-old has had a fever for several days and has been vomiting.' After instituting ordered measures to reduce the fever, what nursing action is most important?

• A. Preventing shivering
• B. Restricting oral fluids
• C. Measuring output hourly
• D. Taking vital signs hourly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Preventing shivering is crucial in this scenario as it can increase body temperature and counteract the effects of antipyretic measures aimed at reducing the fever. Shivering generates heat through muscle activity, which can elevate the body temperature. Restricting oral fluids (choice B) is inappropriate as maintaining hydration is vital, especially in cases of fever and vomiting. Measuring output hourly (choice C) and taking vital signs hourly (choice D) are important nursing actions but not the most critical in this case where preventing shivering takes precedence.

3. 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, toddlers are in the stage of developing autonomy and independence. They may exhibit behaviors like temper tantrums and defiance as they assert their independence and test limits. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to understand that these behaviors are typical for toddlers at this age. Choice A is incorrect because discipline should be age-appropriate and focus on positive reinforcement 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 and can lead to feelings of abandonment. Choice D is inaccurate as the described behavior is more related to asserting independence rather than the initiative stage of development.

4. When picked up by a parent or the nurse, an 8-month-old infant screams and seems to be in pain. After observing this behavior, what should the nurse discuss with the parent?

• A. Accidents and the importance of accident prevention
• B. Limiting playtime with other children in the family
• C. Any other behaviors that the parent may have noticed
• D. Food and appropriate vitamins for infants

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Discussing any other observed behaviors can help identify patterns or potential issues, which is crucial for assessing the infant's overall well-being. Option A about accidents and prevention is not pertinent to the situation described. Option B regarding playtime with other children does not address the infant's behavior and potential causes. Option D about food and vitamins is not relevant to the presented scenario and the observed behavior of the infant.

5. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Limiting output
• B. Replacing lost fluids
• C. Avoiding IV infiltration
• D. Preventing cardiac overload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Preventing cardiac overload. Infants are highly vulnerable to fluid overload, making it essential to carefully monitor IV flow rates to prevent complications such as cardiac overload. Rapid administration of IV fluids can lead to an excessive increase in circulating volume, potentially causing cardiac strain or heart failure in infants. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Monitoring the IV flow rate is not primarily aimed at limiting output, replacing lost fluids, or avoiding IV infiltration in this scenario. The key concern is to prevent the risk of cardiac overload due to the infant's susceptibility to fluid imbalances.

Similar Questions