Nursing Elites

1. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

2. An infant is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with exstrophy of the bladder. What covering should the nurse use to protect the exposed area?

• A. Loose diaper
• B. Dry gauze dressing
• C. Moist sterile dressing
• D. Petroleum jelly gauze pad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A moist sterile dressing should be used to protect the exposed bladder tissue from infection and injury. Exstrophy of the bladder requires careful management to prevent complications such as infection. A loose diaper (Choice A) may not provide adequate protection or prevent infection. Dry gauze dressing (Choice B) may not be ideal as it could adhere to the exposed area and cause trauma upon removal. Petroleum jelly gauze pad (Choice D) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.

3. A nurse is caring for an infant born with exstrophy of the bladder. What does the nurse determine is the greatest risk for this infant?

• A. Infection
• B. Dehydration
• C. Urinary retention
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the greatest risk for an infant with exstrophy of the bladder due to the exposure of the bladder and surrounding tissues. The bladder mucosa and adjacent tissues being exposed increase the susceptibility to infections. Dehydration (Choice B) is not the primary concern in this condition. Urinary retention (Choice C) is less likely as exstrophy of the bladder usually presents with constant dribbling of urine. Intestinal obstruction (Choice D) is not directly related to exstrophy of the bladder.

4. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering oxygen
• B. Administering pain medication
• C. Monitoring fluid intake
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the priority nursing intervention is administering pain medication to alleviate the severe pain associated with the crisis. While administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation, pain relief is crucial in managing the crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the most immediate intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

5. What behavior does the nurse anticipate while feeding a newborn with choanal atresia?

• A. Chokes on the feeding
• B. Has difficulty swallowing
• C. Does not appear to be hungry
• D. Takes about half of the feeding

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct answer: When feeding a newborn with choanal atresia, the nurse should anticipate that the infant may take only part of the feeding. This behavior is due to the condition causing difficulty in breathing through the nose while feeding, prompting the infant to pause for air. Choice A, 'Chokes on the feeding,' is incorrect as it does not specifically relate to the feeding behavior expected in choanal atresia. Choice B, 'Has difficulty swallowing,' is also incorrect because the issue in choanal atresia is primarily related to breathing rather than swallowing. Choice C, 'Does not appear to be hungry,' is not the typical behavior seen in infants with choanal atresia; they may still display hunger cues but struggle with feeding due to the condition.

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