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. What is the appropriate therapeutic management for children with Hirschsprung disease?

• A. daily enemas
• B. low-fiber diet
• C. permanent colostomy
• D. surgical removal of the affected section of bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung disease is characterized by a segment of the colon lacking nerve cells, leading to obstruction. The definitive treatment involves surgically removing the affected segment, followed by a pull-through procedure to restore normal bowel continuity. Daily enemas (choice A) are not the primary treatment for Hirschsprung disease. While dietary adjustments may be advised, a low-fiber diet (choice B) alone is not curative for this condition. A permanent colostomy (choice C) is considered a last resort if surgical interventions fail or in severe cases, but it is not the initial therapeutic approach for managing Hirschsprung disease.

3. Which cardiac defects are associated with tetralogy of Fallot?

• A. Right ventricular hypertrophy, atrial and ventricular defects, and mitral valve stenosis
• B. Origin of the aorta from the right ventricle and of the pulmonary artery from the left ventricle
• C. Right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, and overriding aorta
• D. Altered connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, right ventricular hypertrophy, and an atrial septal defect

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Right ventricular hypertrophy, ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, and overriding aorta are the cardiac defects associated with Tetralogy of Fallot. In Tetralogy of Fallot, these specific abnormalities contribute to the classic features of the condition. Choice A is incorrect as it includes mitral valve stenosis, which is not typically part of Tetralogy of Fallot. Choice B describes transposition of the great arteries, not Tetralogy of Fallot. Choice D mentions an altered connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which is not a defining characteristic of Tetralogy of Fallot.

4. A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect

• A. croup
• B. epiglottitis
• C. lower respiratory infection
• D. foreign body airway obstruction

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child presenting with sudden respiratory distress without fever or recent illness, the most likely cause is a foreign body airway obstruction. Foreign body airway obstruction can lead to a sudden onset of respiratory distress as it blocks the air passage. Croup typically presents with a barking cough and stridor, often preceded by a viral illness. Epiglottitis is characterized by high fever, drooling, and a muffled voice. Lower respiratory infections usually present with symptoms such as cough, fever, and chest congestion. Therefore, in this case, the absence of recent illness or fever makes foreign body airway obstruction the most likely cause of the respiratory distress.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a child with suspected Kawasaki disease. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare provider likely to observe?

• A. Generalized rash
• B. Peeling skin on the hands and feet
• C. High fever
• D. Low-grade fever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Peeling skin on the hands and feet is a characteristic clinical manifestation of Kawasaki disease, known as desquamation. This occurs during the convalescent phase of the illness. While Kawasaki disease is associated with a high fever, which is a common early sign, and can also present with other symptoms like conjunctivitis, mucous membrane changes, and lymphadenopathy, the peeling skin on the hands and feet is a classic feature that distinguishes Kawasaki disease from other conditions. Generalized rash is not a specific hallmark of Kawasaki disease, and low-grade fever is not typically associated with this condition. Therefore, the correct answer is B, peeling skin on the hands and feet, which is a key feature of Kawasaki disease.

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