Nursing Elites

1. Justine is admitted to the pediatric unit due to the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis signaling a new diagnosis of diabetes. The diabetes team explores the cause of the episode and takes steps to prevent a recurrence. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from an excessive accumulation of which of the following?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate from renal compensation
• B. Potassium from cell death
• C. Glucose from carbohydrate metabolism
• D. Ketone bodies from fat metabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from the excessive accumulation of ketone bodies from fat metabolism. During DKA, there is a lack of insulin leading to the breakdown of fat stores into fatty acids and their subsequent conversion into ketone bodies. These ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis and the characteristic symptoms of DKA.

2. A postpartum client is being discharged and asks the nurse when she should expect her menstrual period to return if she is not breastfeeding. The nurse's best response is:

• A. In about 6 to 8 weeks
• B. In about 3 to 4 months
• C. In about 6 months
• D. In about 1 year

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For non-breastfeeding mothers, the return of menstrual periods typically occurs around 6 to 8 weeks postpartum. This timeframe may vary among individuals, but generally, hormonal changes after childbirth lead to the resumption of menstrual cycles within this period.

3. Which of the following parameters is the LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Presence of peripheral pulses
• C. Skin color and temperature
• D. Systolic blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing perfusion status in a 2-year-old child. In young children, blood pressure measurements can be variable, affected by factors like anxiety or crying. Capillary refill time, presence of peripheral pulses, and skin color and temperature are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in this age group.

4. The student nurse has performed a gestational age assessment of an infant and finds the infant to be at 32 weeks. On which set of characteristics is the nurse basing this assessment?

• A. Lanugo mostly gone, little vernix remaining on the body
• B. Prominent clitoris, enlarging labia minora, patent anus
• C. Full areola, 5 to 10 mm nipple bud, pinkish-brown areola
• D. Skin opaque, cracking at wrists and ankles, no visible vessels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. At 30 to 32 weeks' gestation, the clitoris is prominent, and the labia minora are enlarging. The labia majora are small and widely separated. As gestational age increases, the labia majora increase in size. At 36 to 40 weeks, they almost cover the clitoris. At 40 weeks and beyond, the labia majora cover the labia minora and clitoris. Choices A, C, and D do not align with the characteristic features seen at 32 weeks of gestation, making them incorrect.

5. A new parent is concerned because their newborn's stools are loose and yellow. The healthcare provider should explain that this is:

• A. A sign of dehydration
• B. A normal finding in breastfed infants
• C. Indicative of an infection
• D. Due to lactose intolerance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Loose, yellow stools are a normal finding in breastfed infants. Breastfed infants often have loose, yellow stools due to the composition of breast milk. It is not typically a sign of dehydration, infection, or lactose intolerance in this context.

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