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. Which of the following signs would you expect to see in a child with respiratory failure?

• A. Slow, irregular breathing
• B. Flushed skin
• C. Strong cry
• D. Unconsciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a child with respiratory failure, slow, irregular breathing is a common sign. Respiratory failure impairs the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, leading to altered breathing patterns. Flushed skin, a strong cry, or unconsciousness may not be specific signs of respiratory failure and could be indicative of other conditions. Flushed skin may be a sign of fever or increased blood flow, a strong cry may indicate pain or distress, and unconsciousness can have various causes beyond respiratory failure.

3. When assessing a newborn for jaundice, which area should be examined?

• A. Legs and feet
• B. Chest and abdomen
• C. Face and sclera
• D. Back and buttocks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a newborn for jaundice, the healthcare provider should examine the face and sclera. Jaundice is often first noticeable in these areas due to the buildup of bilirubin, causing a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Examining the legs and feet (Choice A) is not the most appropriate area for identifying jaundice in newborns. Similarly, the chest and abdomen (Choice B) are not the primary areas where jaundice is usually observed. Checking the back and buttocks (Choice D) is also not as useful as examining the face and sclera when assessing for jaundice in newborns.

4. Upon delivery of a baby's head, you see that the umbilical cord is wrapped around its neck. Initial treatment for this condition should include:

• A. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.
• B. Gently pulling on the cord to facilitate removal.
• C. Trying to remove the cord from around the neck.
• D. Keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When encountering a situation where the umbilical cord is wrapped around a baby's neck upon delivery, the initial treatment should involve trying to remove the cord from around the neck gently. It is crucial to handle this situation delicately to avoid causing harm to the baby. Attempting to ease the cord over the baby's head without pulling or tightening can help prevent potential complications associated with cord compression. Choice A, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, is not recommended as it can lead to abrupt deprivation of oxygen to the baby. Choice B, gently pulling on the cord, can worsen the situation by tightening the cord around the baby's neck. Choice D, keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport, is not the immediate concern and does not address the potential risks of cord compression during delivery. Therefore, the priority is to carefully attempt to remove the cord from around the baby's neck to ensure a safe delivery.

5. The healthcare provider is caring for a newborn who is 2 days old. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider?

• A. Yellowing of the skin
• B. Presence of a small amount of blood in the diaper
• C. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• D. Intermittent episodes of sneezing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Yellowing of the skin may indicate jaundice in a newborn, which can be a sign of an underlying health issue such as an elevated bilirubin level. It is essential to report this finding to the healthcare provider for further assessment and appropriate management to prevent complications.

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