Nursing Elites

1. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

2. When assessing a child with chronic renal failure, which clinical manifestations would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Uremic frost
• B. Hypotension
• C. Massive hematuria
• D. Severe metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a child with chronic renal failure, the nurse would expect to find uremic frost as a clinical manifestation. Uremic frost, a white powdery deposit of urea on the skin, occurs in severe cases of chronic renal failure due to the accumulation of urea and other waste products in the blood. Hypotension and massive hematuria are less common in chronic renal failure, while severe metabolic acidosis is typically mild to moderate and not a prominent clinical manifestation.

3. A child with acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning has been admitted to the emergency department. What antidote does the nurse anticipate being prescribed?

• A. Carnitine (Carnitor)
• B. Fomepizole (Antizol)
• C. Deferoxamine (Desferal)
• D. N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, working by replenishing glutathione and preventing liver damage. The other options are antidotes for different types of poisoning (e.g., Fomepizole for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning).

4. Kimberly is having a checkup before starting kindergarten. The nurse asks her to do the “finger-to-nose test.” What is the purpose of this test?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Cerebellar function
• C. Sensory discrimination
• D. Ability to follow directions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The finger-to-nose test assesses cerebellar function, which is responsible for balance and coordination. The test evaluates how well the cerebellum controls motor functions and coordination. Choice A, deep tendon reflexes, is incorrect because this test does not assess reflexes but rather cerebellar function. Choice C, sensory discrimination, is incorrect as this test focuses on motor function rather than sensory abilities. Choice D, ability to follow directions, is incorrect since the test primarily assesses motor coordination and not cognitive skills related to following instructions.

5. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

• A. The perianal or rectal area
• B. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• C. The lower GI tract
• D. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

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