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 is the MOST common cause of shock in infants and children?

• A. Severe allergic reaction
• B. Dehydration
• C. Accidental poisoning
• D. Cardiac failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dehydration is the most common cause of shock in infants and children. In children, the body's fluid reserves are smaller compared to adults, making them more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Severe allergic reactions, accidental poisoning, and cardiac failure can also cause shock, but dehydration is the most frequent cause in this age group.

3. How will a ventricular septal defect affect blood flow?

• A. Blood will shunt left to right, causing increased pulmonary flow and no cyanosis.
• B. Blood will shunt right to left, causing decreased pulmonary flow and cyanosis.
• C. No shunting occurs due to high pressure in the left ventricle.
• D. Increased pressure in the left atrium hinders the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ventricular septal defect allows blood to shunt left to right, leading to increased pulmonary flow. This results in oxygenated blood mixing with deoxygenated blood, causing no cyanosis as the mixed blood is still oxygenated. The shunting from left to right overloads the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary flow. Choice B is incorrect because blood does not shunt right to left in a ventricular septal defect. Choice C is incorrect as shunting does occur due to the pressure differences between the ventricles. Choice D is incorrect because the defect affects the ventricles, not the atrium, and does not hinder the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

4. Which statement best describes direct contact as a mode of pathogen transmission?

• A. Transmission through large aerosols produced by sneezing or coughing
• B. Transfer of an infectious agent by suspended air particles from a reservoir to a host
• C. Transmission of infectious agents carried by dust
• D. Transmission through skin-to-skin contact or body fluids

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Direct contact transmission occurs when pathogens are spread through skin-to-skin contact or body fluids. This mode of transmission includes activities like touching, kissing, or sexual contact where infectious agents can pass directly from one person to another. It does not involve large aerosols, suspended air particles, or dust as carriers of the pathogen.

5. Which of the following is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Capillary refill

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillary refill is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults. This is because children have more compliant vessels, making capillary refill a more sensitive indicator of perfusion status in this population. In contrast, while blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important indicators, they may not be as reliable in children as capillary refill. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as anxiety or pain, heart rate can be influenced by emotions or temperature, and respiratory rate may vary with activity levels. Therefore, capillary refill is preferred in children for a more accurate assessment of perfusion.

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