Nursing Elites

1. A parent tells the nurse, “My 9-month-old baby no longer has the same strong grasp that was present at birth and no longer acts startled by loud noises.” How should the nurse explain these changes in behavior?

• A. “I will check these responses before deciding how to proceed.”
• B. “Failure of these responses may be related to a developmental delay.”
• C. “Additional sensory stimulation is needed to aid in the return of these responses.”
• D. “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.” The grasp reflex and startle reflex (Moro reflex) are normal in newborns but typically disappear as the infant's nervous system matures and voluntary control develops. Choice A is incorrect because checking the responses before deciding a course of action does not address the developmental milestone related to the reflexes. Choice B is incorrect as it jumps to a conclusion of developmental delay without considering the normal developmental process. Choice C is incorrect as additional sensory stimulation is not necessary for the return of these reflexes, as they are expected to naturally diminish as part of normal development.

2. A nurse is planning an initial home care visit to a mother who gave birth to a high-risk infant. For what time of day should the nurse schedule the visit to be most productive?

• A. When the husband is out of the home.
• B. At a time when the mother is feeding the infant.
• C. At a time that is convenient for the family.
• D. When the nurse can spend time with the family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Scheduling the visit at a time that is convenient for the family is crucial for ensuring the family's receptiveness and availability, making the visit more productive. Choosing a time when the mother is feeding the infant (choice B) may not necessarily align with the family's overall convenience and may disrupt the feeding routine. Similarly, scheduling the visit when the husband is out of the home (choice A) might not be optimal as it may exclude an important family member and potentially impact the support system. While spending time with the family (choice D) is important, the primary focus should be on accommodating the family's schedule to maximize the effectiveness of the visit.

3. What behavior does a toddler subjected to prolonged hospitalization with limited parental visits typically exhibit?

• A. Cheerful interactions with staff members
• B. Indications of sadness throughout the day
• C. Excessive crying when parents are not present
• D. Limited emotional response to the environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Toddlers subjected to prolonged hospitalization with limited parental visits often exhibit a limited emotional response to the environment. This behavior is a common coping mechanism in young children facing such situations. While cheerful interactions with staff members (choice A) may occur occasionally, the overall response tends to be subdued. Indications of sadness throughout the day (choice B) and excessive crying when parents are not present (choice C) are less typical in this scenario, as the child may have learned to suppress emotions due to the challenging circumstances.

4. What clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot should the nurse expect when caring for children with this diagnosis?

• A. Slow respirations
• B. Clubbing of fingers
• C. Decreased RBC counts
• D. Subcutaneous hemorrhages

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clubbing of fingers is a common manifestation in children with tetralogy of Fallot due to chronic hypoxia. Clubbing occurs as a result of long-standing decreased oxygen levels in the blood, leading to changes in the fingertips. Slow respirations (Choice A) are not typically a direct clinical manifestation of tetralogy of Fallot. While decreased RBC counts (Choice C) may occur due to chronic hypoxia, they are not a primary manifestation specific to tetralogy of Fallot. Subcutaneous hemorrhages (Choice D) are not a common clinical manifestation associated with tetralogy of Fallot.

5. A parent calls the outpatient clinic requesting information about the appropriate dose of acetaminophen for a 16-month-old child who has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The directions on the bottle of acetaminophen elixir are 120 mg every 4 hours when needed. At the toddler’s 15-month visit, the health care provider prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse’s best response to the parent?

• A. “The dose is close enough, and it doesn’t really matter which one is given.”
• B. “From your description, the medications are not necessary. They should be avoided at this age.”
• C. “It is appropriate to use dosages based on age. Children typically have weights consistent for their age groups.”
• D. “The prescribed dose of the drug was based on weight, and this is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most accurate way to determine a therapeutic dose for children is based on their weight rather than age. Weight-based dosing helps ensure that the child receives the appropriate amount of medication for their body size, which is crucial for safety and effectiveness. Age-based dosing can lead to underdosing or overdosing, as children of the same age can have significantly different weights. Choice A is incorrect because even small variations in dosages can have significant effects on a child's health. Choice B is incorrect as acetaminophen can be appropriate when used correctly for fever management in children. Choice C is incorrect as children's weights can vary greatly within the same age group, making weight-based dosing more precise and individualized.

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