Nursing Elites

1. An infant is born with anencephaly. Based on the knowledge of this diagnosis, what information does the nurse consider when interacting with the family?

• A. Many treatment options exist.
• B. Immediate surgery is necessary.
• C. The condition is incompatible with life.
• D. The child will have permanent disabilities.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The condition is incompatible with life.' Anencephaly is the most serious neural tube defect where both hemispheres of the brain are absent. It is incompatible with life, as there are no medical or surgical treatment options available. While some infants with mature brain stem function can maintain vital functions for a short period, anencephaly is ultimately not survivable. Choice A is incorrect as there are no treatment options for anencephaly. Choice B is incorrect as immediate surgery is not necessary for this condition. Choice D is incorrect as an infant with anencephaly will not have permanent disabilities since the condition is not compatible with life.

2. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

3. What amount of fluid loss occurs with moderate dehydration?

• A. <50 ml/kg
• B. 50 to 90 ml/kg
• C. <5% total body weight
• D. >15% total body weight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Moderate dehydration is typically defined as a loss of 50 to 90 mL/kg of body weight. This amount reflects significant fluid loss that requires medical attention but is not yet severe.

4. A newborn has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. The parent asks the nurse about the symptoms that led to the diagnosis. Which symptoms should the nurse include in the response?

• A. Acute diarrhea and dehydration
• B. Current jelly-like stools and pain
• C. Failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension
• D. Projectile vomiting and altered electrolytes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension. Hirschsprung’s disease is commonly diagnosed in newborns due to the failure to pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours after birth and abdominal distension, indicating a bowel obstruction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not correspond to the typical symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease. Acute diarrhea and dehydration, current jelly-like stools and pain, and projectile vomiting with altered electrolytes are not characteristic of this condition.

5. The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler-age client. Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse prior to this procedure?

• A. "We will give you your shot when your mommy comes back."
• B. "I will wipe your skin with a magic wipe and then hold the needle like this and say one, two, three, go and give you your shot. Are you ready?"
• C. "It is all right to cry. After we are done, you can go to the box and pick out your favorite sticker."
• D. "This is a magic sword that will give you your medicine and make you all better."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the child's feelings, provides clear instructions, and offers comfort and rewards to help the child cope with the procedure. Choice A is not appropriate as it may create anxiety about the injection. Choice B uses the term 'magic,' which may confuse the child and lead to fear. Choice D introduces a fantasy element that may not be beneficial in preparing the child for the injection.

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