Nursing Elites

1. After a discussion with the health care provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
• B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
• C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
• D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.' Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which normally closes after birth. Choices A, B, and C describe different cardiac conditions and do not accurately define PDA. Choice A is incorrect because PDA does not involve the diameter of the aorta being enlarged. Choice B is incorrect because PDA does not involve the wall between the right and left ventricles being open. Choice C is incorrect because PDA is not a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.

2. An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?

• A. Plastic deformity.
• B. Buckle fracture.
• C. Spiral fracture.
• D. Greenstick fracture.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A spiral fracture is characterized by a twisting injury, often indicating child abuse due to the mechanism involved. This type of fracture is commonly seen in non-accidental trauma cases. Plastic deformity is not typically seen on radiographs but refers to a change in the shape of a bone without breaking. Buckle fractures are incomplete fractures commonly seen in children due to their softer bones. Greenstick fractures are also incomplete fractures, but they do not typically raise suspicion of child abuse as spiral fractures do.

3. A newborn is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with choanal atresia. Which part of the infant’s body should the nurse assess?

• A. Rectum
• B. Nasopharynx
• C. Intestinal tract
• D. Laryngopharynx

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choanal atresia is a congenital condition that presents with a blockage in the nasal passages at the junction of the nasal cavity and the nasopharynx. To assess and confirm the diagnosis of choanal atresia, the nurse should focus on assessing the nasopharynx. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as choanal atresia specifically involves a blockage in the nasal passages, not the rectum, intestinal tract, or laryngopharynx. By assessing the nasopharynx, the severity of the obstruction can be determined, aiding in planning appropriate interventions for the newborn.

4. Why is the infant scheduled to receive the intramuscular polio vaccine instead of the oral vaccine, as asked by the parents?

• A. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular vaccine because it is safer.
• B. Both vaccines produce the same results and are equally safe, according to consensus.
• C. The intramuscular vaccine is preferred over the oral vaccine due to cost considerations, unless contraindicated.
• D. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the intramuscular vaccine unless the infant or a family member is immunocompromised.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the intramuscular polio vaccine over the oral vaccine due to its superior safety profile. Intramuscular administration ensures better immunogenicity and protection against poliovirus. Choice B is incorrect as the intramuscular vaccine is preferred for safety reasons. Choice C is incorrect because the recommendation is based on safety, not cost. Choice D is incorrect as the CDC recommendation is not solely based on immunocompromised status but rather on the overall safety and efficacy of the vaccine.

5. .A nurse is caring for an infant whose vomiting is intractable. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Intractable vomiting can lead to alkalosis due to loss of stomach acids.

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