Nursing Elites

1. Before drying off the newborn after birth, which assessment finding should the healthcare professional document to ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool?

• A. Amount and area of vernix coverage
• B. Creases on the sole
• C. Size of the areola
• D. Body surface temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool, healthcare professionals should document the amount and area of vernix coverage before drying the newborn. Drying the baby after birth could disturb the vernix, potentially affecting the gestational age assessment. Assessing and documenting the vernix coverage beforehand enables a more precise evaluation using the Ballard gestational assessment tool. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to gestational rating on the Ballard assessment tool.

2. Warning signs that indicate dehydration include all EXCEPT:

• A. Poor skin turgor
• B. Increased urine output
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Eager to drink

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urine output is not a warning sign of dehydration; it typically decreases with dehydration. Dehydration often presents with poor skin turgor, tachycardia, and an increased sensation of thirst (eager to drink) as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss. Choices A, C, and D are all correct warning signs of dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a result of decreased skin elasticity due to fluid loss. Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in dehydration. Feeling eager to drink is a common symptom of dehydration as the body attempts to restore fluid balance.

3. How would you classify a child at two years of age who has fast breathing without chest indrawing or stridor when calm?

• A. Very severe disease
• B. Pneumonia
• C. No pneumonia
• D. Local infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric clinical assessment, a child at two years of age with fast breathing but without chest indrawing or stridor when calm is classified as having pneumonia. Fast breathing in this context is a key symptom used in the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) guidelines to diagnose pneumonia in children under five years old. The absence of chest indrawing or stridor when the child is calm helps differentiate this case from other respiratory conditions, making pneumonia the likely classification. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Very severe disease' is too broad and not specific to the symptoms described. 'No pneumonia' is also incorrect as the symptoms match the presentation of pneumonia. 'Local infection' is too vague and does not specifically address the respiratory symptoms observed.

4. You are dispatched to a residence for a 4-year-old female who is sick. Your assessment reveals that she has increased work of breathing and is making a high-pitched sound during inhalation. Her mother tells you that she has been running a high fever for the past 24 hours. Your MOST immediate concern should be:

• A. determining if the child has a history of croup.
• B. preparing to treat her for a febrile seizure.
• C. assessing the need for ventilation assistance.
• D. taking her temperature to see how high it is.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with increased work of breathing, a high-pitched sound during inhalation, and a high fever, upper airway obstruction should be suspected. The child's condition may require immediate ventilation assistance to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Therefore, the most immediate concern in this scenario is to assess the need for ventilation assistance.

5. What is the proper depth of chest compressions for a 9-month-old infant?

• A. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 1 1/2 inches.
• B. 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch.
• C. 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches.
• D. 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When performing chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant, the proper depth is 1/3 the diameter of the chest, which equates to approximately 1 1/2 inches. This depth is crucial for effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in infants. Choice B, which suggests 1/4 the diameter of the chest or about 1 inch, is incorrect as it does not provide the recommended depth for infants. Choice C, stating 1/2 the diameter of the chest or about 2 inches, is too deep and may cause harm to the infant. Choice D, mentioning 1/3 the diameter of the chest or about 3/4 inch, is also incorrect as it underestimates the required depth for effective chest compressions on a 9-month-old infant.

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