Nursing Elites

1. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

• A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
• B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
• C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
• D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.' Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects as they help conserve the infant’s energy by eliminating the need for sucking, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac issues. Choice A is incorrect because gavage feedings are not primarily used to limit vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of administration is not the main reason for gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect because the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the primary rationale for gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.

2. Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?

• A. Maintaining electrolyte balance
• B. Preventing dehydration
• C. Preventing fluid overload
• D. Avoiding cardiac overload

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In infants, monitoring IV flow rates is essential to prevent fluid overload, not cardiac overload. Excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. It is crucial to maintain a balance between providing adequate hydration and avoiding fluid overload to prevent adverse outcomes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern is to prevent complications related to excess fluid rather than focusing on electrolyte balance, dehydration prevention, or avoiding cardiac overload.

3. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?

• A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
• B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
• C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
• D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is presenting with signs of respiratory distress, as evidenced by the increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities can help reduce the workload on the diaphragm and improve respiratory mechanics. This action can be beneficial in optimizing the infant's breathing before considering more invasive interventions. Option B, initiating positive pressure ventilations, should be considered if the infant's condition deteriorates further and not as the first step. Option C, placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow, is not indicated as the primary intervention for increased work of breathing. Option D, listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, may provide additional information but is not the most urgent action needed in this situation.

4. A child with a diagnosis of celiac disease is admitted to the hospital. What dietary restriction should the nurse teach the parents?

• A. Avoid dairy products
• B. Avoid gluten
• C. Avoid high-fat foods
• D. Avoid foods high in sugar

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid gluten.' Children with celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet to prevent symptoms and intestinal damage. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, which triggers an immune response in individuals with celiac disease. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while some individuals with celiac disease may also have lactose intolerance or may need to manage fat or sugar intake for overall health, the primary dietary restriction for celiac disease is avoiding gluten to maintain gastrointestinal health.

5. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Recognizing the parents
• B. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence
• C. Displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
• D. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a small child, displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence would indicate altered mental status. This behavior suggests a diminished level of consciousness or awareness, which is concerning. Recognizing the parents (Choice A) is a normal and expected behavior for a child. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence (Choice B) may indicate fear or anxiety but not necessarily altered mental status. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B (Choice D) may indicate engagement or curiosity rather than altered mental status.

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