Nursing Elites

1. Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?

• A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
• B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
• C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
• D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.

2. In contrast to the contractions associated with true labor, Braxton-Hicks contractions:

• A. generally follow rupture of the amniotic sac and occur with regularity.
• B. may be intensified by activity and are accompanied by a pink discharge.
• C. do not increase in intensity and are alleviated by a change in position.
• D. consistently become stronger and are not alleviated by changing position.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Braxton-Hicks contractions are irregular and usually do not increase in intensity. Unlike true labor contractions, they tend to alleviate with a change in position, making option C the correct choice. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because Braxton-Hicks contractions do not follow rupture of the amniotic sac, are not intensified by activity or accompanied by a pink discharge, and do not consistently become stronger or are not alleviated by changing position.

3. During your assessment of a woman in labor, you see the baby's arm protruding from the vagina. The mother tells you that she needs to push. You should:

• A. gently push the protruding arm back into the vagina.
• B. encourage the mother to push and give her high-flow oxygen.
• C. insert your gloved fingers into the vagina and try to turn the baby.
• D. cover the arm with a sterile towel and transport immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When encountering a protruding limb during delivery, it is crucial to recognize this as an emergency situation. The correct action is to cover the limb with a sterile towel to prevent injury and transport the mother immediately to a medical facility. Attempting to push the limb back into the vagina or trying to manipulate the baby's position can be harmful and delay necessary medical intervention. Encouraging the mother to push and providing high-flow oxygen is not appropriate in this scenario as immediate transport is essential to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

4. The mother of an 11-year-old girl confides to the nurse that her child has no interest in school activities, exercise, or even family outings. The most appropriate response by the nurse would be:

• A. I would recommend that she see a counselor at school.
• B. I would not worry; she will grow out of it.
• C. Many girls this age go through a time of malaise and disinterest.
• D. If she still feels the same way when you come back for the next well-child visit, I will recommend a therapist.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child shows a lack of interest in various activities, including school, exercise, and family outings, it is essential to address the underlying reasons. Recommending that the child see a counselor at school is crucial to explore potential issues and provide appropriate support and guidance. This approach can help identify any emotional, social, or behavioral concerns the child may be experiencing and facilitate early intervention and support. Choice B is incorrect because dismissing the mother's concerns and assuming the child will grow out of it without addressing the issue is not appropriate. Choice C is incorrect because while some children may go through phases of disinterest, it is essential to investigate further rather than generalizing. Choice D is incorrect because waiting until the next visit without taking proactive steps to address the current lack of interest may delay necessary support and intervention.

5. Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?

• A. Dry the infant briskly.
• B. Suction the mouth.
• C. Begin artificial ventilations.
• D. Begin chest compressions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.

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