Nursing Elites

1. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. The woman states that her contractions are occurring every 4 to 5 minutes and lasting approximately 30 seconds each. Which of the following questions would be most appropriate to ask at this point?

• A. Has your bag of waters broken yet?
• B. Have you had regular prenatal care?
• C. At how many weeks gestation are you?
• D. How many other children do you have?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, asking about the gestational age is crucial as it helps determine the stage of labor and potential complications. Knowing the number of weeks of gestation can guide the healthcare provider in assessing the progress of labor and making decisions about the care of both the mother and the baby. Choices A, B, and D are not as relevant in this urgent situation. While knowing if the bag of waters has broken is important for assessing the progress of labor, determining gestational age is more critical at this point. Asking about regular prenatal care or the number of other children does not provide immediate information necessary for managing the current situation.

2. 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.

3. During the second week of hospitalization for intravenous antibiotic therapy, a 2-year-old toddler whose family is unable to visit often smiles easily, goes to all the nurses happily, and does not express interest in the parent when the parent does visit. The parent tells the nurse, 'I am pleased about the adjustment but somewhat concerned about my child’s reaction to me.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. The child is repressing feelings for the parent.
• B. Routines have been established, and the child feels safe.
• C. The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.
• D. Behavior has improved because the child feels better physically.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The child has given up fighting and accepts the separation.' This response indicates that the child is emotionally withdrawing due to the separation from the parent during hospitalization. Choice A is incorrect because the child's behavior does not necessarily suggest repressed feelings for the parent. Choice B is incorrect as feeling safe due to established routines does not fully explain the child's behavior. Choice D is incorrect because while feeling better physically may contribute to improved behavior, it does not address the emotional aspect of the child's reaction to the parent.

4. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. Order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. Count the radial pulse every minute for five times
• C. Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. Have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, it is important for nurses to count the apical pulse for a full minute and compare it with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias because discrepancies between the apical and radial pulse rates can indicate irregular heart rhythms. Option A is incorrect because ordering an immediate electrocardiogram may not always be feasible or necessary as a first step. Option B, counting the radial pulse multiple times, is less accurate than comparing the apical and radial pulse rates. Option D involves an unnecessary step of having another person take simultaneous pulses when the nurse can do it effectively alone.

5. A 7-year-old child with a history of seizures is being discharged from the hospital. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for the parents?

• A. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed, not just when a seizure occurs
• B. Ensure the child gets adequate sleep
• C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
• D. Teach seizure first aid to family members

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to teach seizure first aid to family members. This is crucial because family members need to know how to appropriately respond during a seizure to ensure the child's safety. Choice A has been corrected to emphasize that antiepileptic medication should be administered as prescribed, not just when a seizure occurs, to effectively manage the condition. Choice B, while important for overall health, is not directly related to seizure management. Choice C is not recommended as restricting activities may not prevent seizures and may hinder the child's quality of life.

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