Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is the MOST detrimental effect of gastric distention in infants and children?

• A. Tracheal rupture.
• B. Less effective chest compressions.
• C. Decreased ventilatory volume.
• D. Acute rupture of the diaphragm.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gastric distention in infants and children can lead to a decrease in ventilatory volume. This occurs because the distended stomach can limit the movement of the diaphragm, reducing its ability to contract and expand the chest cavity effectively. As a result, the amount of air entering and leaving the lungs is decreased, impacting ventilation. Tracheal rupture, acute rupture of the diaphragm, and less effective chest compressions are not typically associated with gastric distention.

2. 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.'

3. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought to the emergency department by the mother, who states that the child has been complaining of abdominal pain and has been lethargic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed. Anticipating the plan of care, the nurse prepares to administer which type of intravenous (IV) infusion?

• A. 5% dextrose infusion
• B. Normal saline infusion
• C. NPH insulin infusion
• D. Potassium infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial intravenous (IV) fluid of choice is normal saline infusion. Normal saline helps to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA patients. It does not contain glucose to prevent worsening hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis. NPH insulin infusion is not the initial treatment for DKA; it is typically used after fluid resuscitation. Potassium infusion may be required in DKA to address electrolyte imbalances, but normal saline is the priority for fluid resuscitation.

4. When a father asks why his child with tetralogy of Fallot seems to favor a squatting position, the nurse would explain that squatting:

• A. Increases peripheral vascular resistance
• B. Decreases arterial blood flow away from the heart
• C. It's a common resting position when a child is tachycardic
• D. Increases the workload of the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Squatting increases systemic vascular resistance, which leads to a reduction in the right-to-left shunting of blood in children with tetralogy of Fallot. This helps improve oxygenation by balancing the pulmonary and systemic blood flow. The squatting position decreases the pressure in the right ventricle and reduces the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt by increasing afterload, thereby improving oxygenation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because squatting does not decrease arterial blood flow away from the heart, is not related to being tachycardic, and does not increase the workload of the heart.

5. Madam Serwaa's 7-month-old baby was admitted to your ward with malnutrition. The child has diarrhea with signs of moderate dehydration but can drink. Which of the following will be the most appropriate fluid for Madam Serwaa's baby?

• A. ORS
• B. Resomal
• C. Rice water
• D. I.V. Ringer's lactate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a 7-month-old baby with diarrhea and signs of moderate dehydration who can still drink, the most appropriate fluid is Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). ORS helps in rehydrating the body and replenishing lost electrolytes, making it essential in managing dehydration due to diarrhea.

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