Nursing Elites

1. In counseling the parents of a child with hypopituitarism, Nurse Gyimah is asked about their child's condition. Which of the following phrases, if stated by the nurse, best describes the condition?

• A. Linear growth retardation with skeletal proportions normal for chronologic age
• B. A complete normal growth pattern, but with the onset of precocious puberty
• C. Normal growth for the first five years, followed by progressive linear growth retardation
• D. Growth retardation in which height and weight are equally affected

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypopituitarism is characterized by linear growth retardation with skeletal proportions normal for chronologic age. This means that although the child experiences growth retardation, their skeletal proportions are appropriate for their age, which distinguishes it from other conditions like precocious puberty or equal height and weight affectation. Choice B is incorrect as hypopituitarism does not involve precocious puberty. Choice C is wrong as it describes a different growth pattern not typical of hypopituitarism. Choice D is also incorrect as in hypopituitarism, height and weight are not equally affected, rather the focus is on linear growth retardation with normal skeletal proportions.

2. What are the MOST important initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn?

• A. Drying and warming the infant, obtaining an APGAR score.
• B. Clearing the airway, keeping the infant warm.
• C. Suctioning the airway, obtaining a heart rate.
• D. Keeping the infant warm, counting respirations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most crucial initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn involve clearing the airway to ensure proper breathing and keeping the infant warm to maintain body temperature. Airway clearance helps prevent respiratory distress, while warmth is essential to prevent hypothermia, a common issue in newborns. These steps are vital in the immediate care of a newborn to support their transition to extrauterine life and ensure their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because obtaining an APGAR score is important but not as critical as clearing the airway. Choice C is incorrect as suctioning the airway is not always necessary and obtaining a heart rate is secondary to ensuring a clear airway and warmth. Choice D is incorrect because counting respirations is not as immediate and crucial as clearing the airway.

3. You are treating a 5-year-old child who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. Supplemental oxygen has been given, and you have elevated his lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that his work of breathing has increased. You should:

• A. begin positive-pressure ventilations and reassess the child.
• B. lower the extremities and reassess the child.
• C. listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds.
• D. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the work of breathing increases after elevating the legs, it is important to lower the extremities. Elevating the lower extremities in a child with signs of shock can worsen the condition by reducing venous return to the heart. Lowering the extremities can help improve venous return and potentially alleviate the increased work of breathing.

4. Physical abuse of a 4-year-old child should be suspected if you observe:

• A. purple and yellow bruises on the thighs.
• B. bruises on the anterior tibial area.
• C. the child clinging to his or her parent.
• D. curious siblings watching you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Purple and yellow bruises on protected areas like the thighs are concerning as they indicate bruises in various stages of healing, which is a red flag for physical abuse. Bruises on the anterior tibial area or a child clinging to a parent are not specific signs of physical abuse. Siblings watching you is unrelated to the suspicion of physical abuse in this scenario.

5. A child of 3 years has been admitted to your pediatric ward. The doctor gave a provisional diagnosis of respiratory tract infection. After careful assessment and history, he gave a final diagnosis of lower respiratory infection. Which of the following signs will confirm the diagnosis?

• A. Cough
• B. Fever
• C. Inability to lie supine
• D. Inability to eat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inability to lie supine is a specific sign of lower respiratory infection. This condition can cause discomfort or difficulty in breathing when lying flat, leading to a preference for an upright or semi-upright position. While cough and fever are common symptoms of respiratory infections, the inability to lie supine is more indicative of lower respiratory involvement.

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