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. The nurse is discussing parenting in reconstituted families with a new stepparent. The nurse is aware that the new stepparent understands the teaching when which statement is made?

• A. "I am glad there will be no disruption in my lifestyle."
• B. "I don’t think children really want to live in a two-parent home."
• C. "I realize there may be power conflicts bringing two households together."
• D. "I understand contact between grandparents should be kept to a minimum."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Recognizing the potential for power conflicts when blending two households indicates an understanding of the complexities in reconstituted families.

3. During a funduscopic examination of a school-age child, the nurse notes a brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes. The nurse should recognize that this is which?

• A. A normal finding
• B. A sign of a possible visual defect and a need for vision screening
• C. An abnormal finding requiring referral to an ophthalmologist
• D. A sign of small hemorrhages, which usually resolve spontaneously

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes is a normal finding, indicating that the retina is healthy and there are no significant obstructions in the visual pathway.

4. Superficial palpation of the abdomen is often perceived by the child as tickling. Which measure by the nurse is most likely to minimize this sensation and promote relaxation?

• A. Palpate another area simultaneously
• B. Ask the child not to laugh or move
• C. Begin with deeper palpation and gradually progress to superficial palpation
• D. Have the child help with palpation by placing his or her hand over the palpating hand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the child to place their hand over the nurse's hand helps reduce the tickling sensation and increases the child's comfort during the examination.

5. The parents of an 8-month-old infant voice concern to the nurse that their infant is not developing motor skills as the infant should. What question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask in determining if their fears are warranted?

• A. Does the infant move a toy back and forth from one hand to the other?
• B. Is the infant able to drink from a cup by oneself?
• C. Is the infant able to hold a pencil and scribble on paper?
• D. Does the infant place toys into a box or container and take them out?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. By 8 months, an infant should be able to transfer objects between hands, which is an important motor skill milestone. This action shows coordination and developing fine motor skills. Choices B, C, and D involve more advanced motor skills that are typically not expected at 8 months of age. Drinking from a cup, holding a pencil to scribble, and engaging in purposeful play with toys are skills that develop later in infancy.

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