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. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

3. A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus about blood glucose monitoring. What should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Checking blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime
• B. Using a lancet device to obtain blood samples
• C. Using urine test strips for monitoring
• D. Recognizing signs of hypoglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Checking blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime is essential in managing type 1 diabetes mellitus as it helps in monitoring blood sugar levels at different times of the day and adjusting insulin doses accordingly. Option B about using a lancet device to obtain blood samples is a technique rather than an emphasis on monitoring frequency. Option C suggesting the use of urine test strips is incorrect as urine test strips are not recommended for accurate real-time monitoring of blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes. Option D, recognizing signs of hypoglycemia, is important but not the primary emphasis when educating about blood glucose monitoring.

4. Which of the following techniques represents the most appropriate method of opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury?

• A. lift up the chin and hyperextend the neck
• B. tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck
• C. gently lift the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck
• D. perform the technique as you would for an older child or adult

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct technique for opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury is to tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck. This method helps to keep the airway open without risking injury to the infant's delicate neck structures. Choice A, lifting up the chin and hyperextending the neck, can potentially harm the infant's neck. Choice C, gently lifting the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck, is not as effective as tilting the head back. Choice D is incorrect as infants require a different approach compared to older children or adults due to their anatomical differences.

5. Which observation of the exposed abdomen is most indicative of pyloric stenosis?

• A. abdominal rigidity
• B. substernal retraction
• C. palpable olive-like mass
• D. marked distention of the lower abdomen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In pyloric stenosis, a palpable olive-like mass in the abdomen is a classic finding. This mass is due to the hypertrophied pyloric muscle. Abdominal rigidity (choice A) is associated with conditions like peritonitis, substernal retraction (choice B) is typically seen in respiratory distress, and marked distention of the lower abdomen (choice D) is more characteristic of conditions like intestinal obstruction rather than pyloric stenosis.

Similar Questions