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 conditions is considered a multifactorial problem?

• A. Cystic fibrosis
• B. Down syndrome
• C. Diabetes mellitus
• D. XYY syndrome

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Diabetes mellitus' because it is a multifactorial disease, influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Cystic fibrosis (choice A) is primarily a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. Down syndrome (choice B) is due to an extra copy of chromosome 21. XYY syndrome (choice D) is a genetic condition where males have an extra Y chromosome. These conditions are not considered multifactorial as their origins are primarily genetic.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a newborn upon admission to the nursery. Which of the following should the provider expect?

• A. Bulging Fontanels
• B. Nasal Flaring
• C. Length from head to heel of 40 cm (15.7 in)
• D. Chest circumference 2 cm (0.8 in) smaller than the head circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Upon admission to the nursery, a healthcare provider should expect the newborn's chest circumference to be slightly smaller than the head circumference. This is a normal finding in newborns due to their physiological development. Bulging fontanels (Choice A) can indicate increased intracranial pressure, which is abnormal. Nasal flaring (Choice B) is a sign of respiratory distress and is also an abnormal finding. While a length from head to heel of 40 cm (15.7 in) (Choice C) falls within the normal range for newborns, it is not a specific expectation upon admission to the nursery. Therefore, the correct expectation for a newborn upon admission is for the chest circumference to be slightly smaller than the head circumference.

4. Following an amniocentesis, a nurse is caring for a client. The nurse should observe the client for which of the following complications?

• A. Hyperemesis
• B. Proteinuria
• C. Hypoxia
• D. Hemorrhage

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After an amniocentesis, the nurse should monitor the client for potential complications, with hemorrhage being a significant concern due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Hyperemesis (severe vomiting), proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), and hypoxia (low oxygen levels) are not typically associated with amniocentesis and are less likely to occur compared to hemorrhage, which is a more common complication that requires prompt recognition and intervention.

5. When should a nurse on a labor and delivery unit instruct a newly licensed nurse to don gloves for a procedure?

• A. Assisting a mother with breastfeeding
• B. Performing a newborn's initial bath
• C. Administering the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine
• D. Performing umbilical cord care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Performing a newborn's initial bath. Gloves should be worn during this procedure to protect against exposure to body fluids, such as amniotic fluid or blood. Assisting a mother with breastfeeding (Choice A) does not typically require gloves unless there are specific reasons for infection control. Administering vaccines (Choice C) and performing umbilical cord care (Choice D) are procedures that may require hand hygiene but not necessarily gloves, unless there is active bleeding or potential exposure to body fluids. The initial bath involves direct contact with body fluids, making it crucial to wear gloves for protection.

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