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. The nurse is teaching a group of students about myelination in a child. Which statement by the students indicates that the teaching was successful?

• A. Myelination continues into adolescence and beyond.
• B. The process occurs in a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) pattern.
• C. Myelination decreases the speed of nerve impulses.
• D. Myelination decreases the specificity of nerve impulses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Myelination occurs in a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) pattern, improving nerve function progressively. Choice A is incorrect as myelination continues into adolescence and beyond, not just during childhood. Choice C is incorrect because myelination actually increases the speed of nerve impulses rather than decreasing it. Choice D is incorrect as myelination enhances the specificity of nerve impulses, making them more efficient and precise rather than less specific.

3. A child has undergone a tonsillectomy, and a nurse is providing postoperative care. What is an important nursing intervention?

• A. Encouraging deep breathing exercises
• B. Encouraging the child to eat
• C. Administering antibiotics
• D. Applying ice to the throat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering antibiotics is a crucial nursing intervention after a tonsillectomy because it helps prevent infections, which are a common postoperative complication. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) is also important for promoting lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications. Encouraging the child to eat (Choice B) may not be appropriate immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of throat irritation and discomfort. Applying ice to the throat (Choice D) is generally not recommended post-tonsillectomy as it may cause vasoconstriction and hinder the healing process.

4. The healthcare professional is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the healthcare professional this child may have a genetic disorder?

• A. Inquiry reveals the child had feeding problems.
• B. The child weighs 40 lb (18.2 kg) and is 40 in (101.6 cm) in height.
• C. The child has low-set ears with lobe creases.
• D. The child can hop on one foot but cannot skip.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is known to be a common sign in various syndromes like Down syndrome. Choices A, B, and D are not directly linked to genetic disorders. Feeding problems and specific weight/height measurements are more general indicators of growth and development, while the ability to hop on one foot but not skip is a developmental milestone assessment that does not specifically point towards a genetic disorder.

5. What should be the priority action when caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis?

• A. Initiate measures to reduce fever.
• B. Ensure delivery of humidified oxygen.
• C. Provide support to reduce apprehension.
• D. Continually assess the respiratory status.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a child with acute laryngotracheobronchitis, the priority action should be to continually assess the respiratory status. This is crucial to detect early signs of respiratory distress, such as worsening stridor or increased work of breathing. Prompt intervention can prevent further deterioration of the child's condition. Initiating measures to reduce fever (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority in this situation. Ensuring delivery of humidified oxygen (Choice B) is important for maintaining oxygenation but should follow the assessment of respiratory status. Providing support to reduce apprehension (Choice C) is also important for the child's comfort but is not the priority over assessing and managing respiratory distress.

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