Nursing Elites

1. Following delivery of a newborn, the 21-year-old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding. You note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120 beats/min and she is diaphoretic. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, treatment should include:

• A. treating for shock and uterine massage during transport.
• B. uterine massage and transport.
• C. placing her on her left side and transport.
• D. internal vaginal pads and treating for shock during transport.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the mother is showing signs of postpartum hemorrhage with increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and mild vaginal bleeding. The correct approach involves treating for shock by addressing hypovolemia and providing uterine massage to help control bleeding. Administering high-flow oxygen is essential. Therefore, the most appropriate option is to treat for shock and perform uterine massage during transport to manage the postpartum hemorrhage effectively.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Acrocyanosis
• B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute
• C. Grunting with nasal flaring
• D. Heart rate of 140 beats per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Grunting with nasal flaring is a concerning sign of respiratory distress in a newborn that can indicate inadequate oxygenation. This finding requires immediate intervention to ensure the newborn's respiratory status is stabilized and to prevent further complications. Prompt assessment and appropriate intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent respiratory compromise and potential deterioration. Acrocyanosis, which is bluish discoloration of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and usually resolves on its own. A respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 140 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not indicate immediate intervention is needed.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer vitamin K to a newborn. The mother asks why this injection is necessary. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. It helps the baby's liver function properly.
• B. It prevents bleeding disorders in the newborn.
• C. It boosts the baby's immune system.
• D. It promotes the baby's growth and development.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Vitamin K is administered to newborns to prevent bleeding disorders since they have low levels of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. By providing this injection, the nurse ensures that the newborn has an adequate supply of vitamin K to support proper blood clotting and prevent potential bleeding complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because vitamin K's primary role in newborns is related to blood clotting and preventing bleeding, not liver function, immune system, or growth and development.

4. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

5. What is the term for a condition where there is a failure of the pituitary to produce sufficient growth hormone to sustain normal growth in children, with 80% of cases being idiopathic? It may present with familial patterns, affecting males more than females.

• A. Cretinism
• B. Growth hormone deficiency
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Precocious puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Growth hormone deficiency refers to a condition where there is inadequate production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. This results in impaired growth in children. While 80% of cases are of unknown cause (idiopathic), some may have familial patterns. It is more common in males than females. Cretinism is a condition of severe hypothyroidism during infancy, not related to growth hormone. Hypothyroidism is a disorder involving low thyroid hormone levels, and precocious puberty is the early onset of puberty. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Growth hormone deficiency.'

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