Nursing Elites

1. A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

• A. “Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.”
• B. “The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation.”
• C. “Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.”
• D. “Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Artificial surfactant can be administered as an adjunct to oxygen and ventilation therapy for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It helps improve respiratory compliance by aiding in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide until the infant can produce enough surfactant naturally. The correct explanation to the parents would be that surfactant therapy enhances the baby’s lung function by facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Choice B is incorrect because surfactant therapy does not affect sedation needs. Choice C is inaccurate as surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea. Choice D is incorrect as surfactant is not administered to fight respiratory tract infections; it specifically targets improving lung function in RDS.

2. Which of the following statements is a symptom of cystic fibrosis in children?

• A. Cystic fibrosis leads to uncontrollable muscle movements and personality changes.
• B. Cystic fibrosis leads to the excessive production of thick mucus that clogs the pancreas and lungs.
• C. Cystic fibrosis causes red blood cells to clump together, obstructing small blood vessels and decreasing the oxygen supply.
• D. Cystic fibrosis causes the central nervous system to degenerate, resulting in death.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus. This mucus can clog the airways in the lungs and obstruct the pancreas, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems. Choice A is incorrect because uncontrollable muscle movements and personality changes are not typical symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Choice C is incorrect because cystic fibrosis does not directly cause red blood cells to clump together and obstruct small blood vessels. Choice D is incorrect because cystic fibrosis primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, not the central nervous system.

3. A client who is 24 weeks gestation arrives at the clinic reporting swollen hands. On examination, the nurse notes the client has had a rapid weight gain over six weeks. Which action should the nurse implement next?

• A. Review the client's previous blood pressures in the chart.
• B. Obtain the client's blood pressure.
• C. Observe and time the client's contractions.
• D. Examine the client for pedal edema.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Swollen hands and rapid weight gain could be signs of preeclampsia, so the next step is to check the client's blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure is a key indicator in assessing for preeclampsia in pregnancy. Reviewing the client's previous blood pressures may provide additional context but obtaining the current blood pressure is crucial for immediate assessment. Observing and timing contractions are not relevant in this scenario as the client is not presenting with signs of active labor. Examining for pedal edema is important in assessing for fluid retention, but obtaining the blood pressure takes precedence in this case due to the potential seriousness of preeclampsia.

4. What determines a child’s sex?

• A. Presence of teratogens at the time of conception.
• B. Sex chromosome received from the mother.
• C. Presence of teratogens at the time of ovulation.
• D. Sex chromosome received from the father.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the sex chromosome received from the father. The father contributes either an X or Y chromosome, which determines the child's sex. This occurs at the moment of fertilization when the sperm carrying either an X (resulting in a female) or Y (resulting in a male) chromosome fertilizes the egg. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the presence of teratogens at the time of conception or ovulation does not determine the child's sex. While the sex chromosome received from the mother is important, it is the father's contribution that ultimately determines the child's sex.

5. Which of the following statements is true of a sperm cell?

• A. A sperm cell is significantly larger than an egg cell.
• B. A sperm cell contains two Y chromosomes.
• C. A sperm cell travels randomly inside a woman’s reproductive tract.
• D. A sperm cell is one of the smallest types of cells in the body.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A sperm cell is indeed one of the smallest cells in the human body, much smaller than an egg cell. Choice A is incorrect as sperm cells are much smaller than egg cells. Choice B is incorrect because a sperm cell carries either an X or a Y chromosome, not two Y chromosomes. Choice C is incorrect since sperm cells move in a purposeful manner guided by various factors within a woman's reproductive tract, not randomly.

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