Nursing Elites

1. A teen with asthma asks the nurse why it is hard to breathe during an asthma attack. The nurse explains that exposure to a “trigger” results in which of these manifestations?

• A. Bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production
• B. Air trapping and hypo-inflation of the alveoli
• C. Air trapping and decreased blood flow to the upper airway
• D. Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and excess mucus production

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asthma triggers cause bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production, leading to difficulty breathing. This combination of manifestations results in narrowing of the airways, making it hard for the individual to breathe effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because during an asthma attack, bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production do not occur. Instead, the airways constrict, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus, contributing to the breathing difficulties experienced by individuals with asthma.

2. When checking the intravenous (IV) site on a child, the nurse should take which action?

• A. Look at the site.
• B. Ask the child if the site hurts.
• C. Look at the site while palpating the area.
• D. Take all the tape off, assess the site, and redress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Looking at and palpating the IV site helps assess for signs of infiltration or infection, such as swelling, redness, or pain. Simply looking or asking the child may miss subtle signs, and removing all the tape unnecessarily disrupts the site.

3. By which age should the nurse expect that an infant will be able to pull to a standing position?

• A. 5 to 6 months
• B. 7 to 8 months
• C. 11 to 12 months
• D. 14 to 15 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pulling to a standing position typically occurs between 11 to 12 months, marking the progression towards walking.

4. You are developing a plan of care for a hospitalized child. Which age group is most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds?

• A. Adolescence
• B. Preschool age
• C. Infancy
• D. School age

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preschool-aged children often engage in magical thinking, where they may believe that illness is a punishment for misdeeds. This belief is related to their cognitive development stage, where they may attribute cause and effect in a magical or unrealistic way. Adolescents are more likely to view illness as a disruption to their sense of independence or control. Infants lack the cognitive development to associate illness with punishment for misdeeds. School-aged children typically have a more concrete understanding of illness and its causes, moving away from magical thinking.

5. What findings on physical assessment of a neonate would indicate the need for further evaluation?

• A. Nystagmus
• B. Epstein pearls
• C. Low-set ears
• D. Positive Babinski reflex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears in a neonate suggest major abnormalities and should prompt further evaluation. The correct alignment of the top of the pinnae of the ear with the outer canthus of the eye is crucial. Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, is common in newborns and often resolves on its own. Epstein pearls, small cysts on the hard palate, are insignificant and disappear over time. A positive Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to 1 year of age. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears is the most concerning finding that requires immediate attention.

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