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. A mother visited your facility with the complaint of her child passing watery stools for two days. This is the first time the child is having such an experience. How will you describe such a visit?

• A. Initial
• B. Follow-up
• C. Routine visit
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Initial.' This visit is described as initial because it is the first time the child is experiencing these symptoms. It signifies the first encounter with healthcare professionals for this specific issue, distinguishing it from subsequent visits which would be follow-up appointments to monitor progress or routine visits for preventive care. Choice B, 'Follow-up,' is incorrect as it implies subsequent visits after the initial encounter. Choice C, 'Routine visit,' is also incorrect as it implies a scheduled visit for preventive care rather than a visit prompted by a new or acute issue. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as one of the options accurately describes the situation, which is 'Initial.'

3. The nurse is using the New Ballard Score to assess the gestational age of a newborn delivered 4 hours ago. The infant's gestational age is 33 weeks based on early ultrasound and last menstrual period. The nurse expects the infant to exhibit which of the following?

• A. Full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline
• B. Testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, vernix covering the entire body
• C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, slow recoil time
• D. 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, and slow recoil time are all characteristics of a preterm infant. A is incorrect because full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, and scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline are features of a term infant. B is incorrect as testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, and vernix covering the entire body are also indicative of a term infant. D is incorrect because a 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, and rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension are characteristics seen in a more mature infant, not a preterm newborn.

4. You are treating a 5-year-old child who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. Supplemental oxygen has been given, and you have elevated his lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that his work of breathing has increased. You should:

• A. begin positive-pressure ventilations and reassess the child.
• B. lower the extremities and reassess the child.
• C. listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds.
• D. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the work of breathing increases after elevating the legs, it is important to lower the extremities. Elevating the lower extremities in a child with signs of shock can worsen the condition by reducing venous return to the heart. Lowering the extremities can help improve venous return and potentially alleviate the increased work of breathing.

5. Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

• A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
• C. Abdominal breathing
• D. Grunting respirations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.

Similar Questions