Nursing Elites

1. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

2. After a discussion with the healthcare 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: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. In a fetus, the ductus arteriosus is a normal connection between these two vessels, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. However, it should close shortly after birth. When it remains open (patent), it leads to PDA. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately describe PDA. Choice A describes an enlarged aorta, choice B describes a ventricular septal defect, and choice C describes pulmonary stenosis, which are different cardiac conditions.

3. What information would the nurse include in the preoperative plan of care for an infant with myelomeningocele?

• A. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks
• B. Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze
• C. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket
• D. Applying a diaper to prevent fecal soiling of the sac

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze. This intervention is essential in caring for an infant with myelomeningocele as it helps prevent infection and maintains a moist environment around the sac before surgical repair. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks (Choice A) may be suitable for comfort but is not directly related to managing the myelomeningocele. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket (Choice C) and applying a diaper (Choice D) are not recommended as they can increase the risk of infection and damage to the sac.

4. The healthcare professional is developing a teaching plan for a child who is to have their cast removed. What instruction would the professional most likely include?

• A. Applying petroleum jelly to the dry skin.
• B. Rubbing the skin vigorously to remove the dead skin.
• C. Soaking the area in warm water every day.
• D. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Soaking the area in warm water is the most appropriate instruction for a child who is having their cast removed. This method helps to gently remove dead skin without causing irritation. Applying petroleum jelly to dry skin (Choice A) is not recommended as it may not effectively aid in the removal of dead skin. Rubbing the skin vigorously (Choice B) can lead to skin irritation and should be avoided. Washing the skin with diluted peroxide and water (Choice D) may be too harsh, causing unnecessary irritation to the skin post-cast removal.

5. What is the primary treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

• A. corticosteroids
• B. antihypertensive agents
• C. long-term diuretics
• D. increased fluids to promote diuresis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome due to their immunosuppressive effects, which help reduce proteinuria and control the disease progression. Antihypertensive agents are not the primary treatment for this condition and are typically used to manage hypertension that may result from nephrotic syndrome. Long-term diuretics are not indicated in the treatment of minimal change nephrotic syndrome as they do not address the underlying cause. Increasing fluids to promote diuresis is not a recommended treatment for minimal change nephrotic syndrome, as it can exacerbate edema and fluid overload in these patients.

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