Nursing Elites

1. Parents of a sick infant talk with a nurse about their baby. One parent says, “I am so upset; I didn’t realize our baby was ill.” What major indication of illness in an infant should the nurse explain to the parent?

• A. Grunting respirations
• B. Excessive perspiration
• C. Longer periods of sleep
• D. Crying immediately after feedings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Longer periods of sleep than usual can be a sign of illness in infants. When an infant sleeps more than usual, it may indicate that the baby is conserving energy due to an underlying condition. Grunting respirations (choice A) can be a sign of respiratory distress, excessive perspiration (choice B) may indicate overheating or fever, and crying immediately after feedings (choice D) can be a sign of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as colic or reflux. However, in this scenario, the emphasis is on changes in sleep patterns as a potential indicator of illness.

2. The school nurse is presenting a class to a group of students about common overuse disorders. Which disorder would the school nurse include?

• A. Dislocated radial head
• B. Transient synovitis of the hip
• C. Osgood-Schlatter disease
• D. Scoliosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Osgood-Schlatter disease. This condition is a common overuse injury that affects the knee. Osgood-Schlatter disease typically occurs in children and adolescents who are involved in activities that require frequent running, jumping, and kicking. It is characterized by pain, swelling, and tenderness at the tibial tuberosity, where the patellar tendon inserts into the tibia. Choice A, Dislocated radial head, is not an overuse disorder but rather a form of elbow injury where the head of the radius bone is displaced from its normal position. Choice B, Transient synovitis of the hip, is a self-limiting condition that causes hip pain and limping in children. It is not typically considered an overuse disorder. Choice D, Scoliosis, is a condition characterized by an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. While it may be related to certain activities or postures, it is not primarily classified as an overuse disorder.

3. A 2-week-old infant is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect. The parents report that their baby has had difficulty feeding since coming home after birth. What should the nurse consider before responding?

• A. Feeding problems are common in neonates.
• B. Inadequate sucking is not significant in the absence of cyanosis.
• C. Ineffective sucking and swallowing may be early indications of a heart defect.
• D. Many neonates retain mucus, which may interfere with feeding for several weeks.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should consider that ineffective sucking and swallowing in a 2-week-old infant could be early signs of a heart defect such as a ventricular septal defect. This is crucial information as it can guide further assessment and management. Choice A is incorrect because while feeding problems can be common in neonates, in this case, the specific context of a suspected heart defect should be prioritized. Choice B is incorrect as inadequate sucking can indeed be significant, especially when considering potential underlying heart issues, regardless of the presence of cyanosis. Choice D is incorrect as while mucus retention can affect feeding, in this case, the focus should be on the possibility of a heart defect rather than a temporary issue like mucus interference.

4. A 13-year-old girl tells the nurse at the pediatric clinic that she took a pregnancy test and it was positive. She adds that her grandfather, with whom she, her younger sisters, and her mother live, has repeatedly molested her for the past 3 years. When the nurse asks the girl if she has told this to anyone, she replies, 'Yes, but my mother doesn’t believe me.' Legally, who should the nurse notify?

• A. Police regarding a possible sex crime
• B. Healthcare provider to confirm the pregnancy
• C. Child Protective Services for immediate intervention
• D. Girl’s mother about the positive pregnancy test result

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify Child Protective Services for immediate intervention. The girl disclosed ongoing sexual abuse by her grandfather, which is a serious concern requiring immediate protection and intervention by the appropriate authorities. Child Protective Services are trained to handle cases of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the safety and well-being of the child. While notifying the police about a possible sex crime is crucial, Child Protective Services should be the first point of contact in cases of suspected child abuse due to their specialized role. Confirming the pregnancy through a healthcare provider is not the priority at this moment, as ensuring the safety of the child is paramount. Informing the girl's mother about the positive test result is not appropriate given the lack of belief in the abuse disclosure and the potential risk to the child's safety.

5. A parent and 3-month-old infant are visiting the well-baby clinic for a routine examination. What should the nurse include in the accident prevention teaching plan?

• A. Remove small objects from the floor.
• B. Cover electric outlets with safety plugs.
• C. Remove toxic substances from low areas.
• D. Test the temperature of water before bathing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to test the temperature of water before bathing. This is crucial in preventing burns, which is a significant risk for infants due to their sensitive skin. Infants have delicate skin that can be easily burned by water that is too hot. Removing small objects from the floor (Choice A) is important to prevent choking hazards but not directly related to burns. Covering electric outlets with safety plugs (Choice B) is essential to prevent electrocution but does not address the risk of burns specifically. Removing toxic substances from low areas (Choice C) is necessary to prevent poisoning but is not directly related to burns. Therefore, the priority in this scenario is to prevent burns by ensuring the water temperature is safe for the infant.

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