Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following signs is MOST indicative of inadequate breathing in an infant?

• A. Sunken fontanelles
• B. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• C. Expiratory grunting
• D. Abdominal breathing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Expiratory grunting is a significant sign of inadequate breathing and respiratory distress in infants. It indicates that the infant is struggling to exhale properly, which can be a sign of various respiratory issues, including lung problems or airway obstruction. Monitoring and recognizing this sign promptly can help in providing timely interventions to support the infant's breathing and prevent further complications.

3. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

4. The healthcare provider assesses the vital signs of a 12-month-old infant with a respiratory infection and notes that the respiratory rate is 35 breaths/minute. Based on this finding, which action is most appropriate?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Document the findings
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Reassess the respiratory rate in 15 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action since a respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute falls within the normal range for a 12-month-old infant. There is no immediate need for interventions such as administering oxygen or notifying the healthcare provider. Reassessing the respiratory rate in 15 minutes is unnecessary as the rate is within normal limits.

5. Alice is rushed to the emergency department during an acute, severe prolonged asthma attack and is unresponsive to usual treatment. The condition is referred to as which of the following?

• A. Status asthmaticus
• B. Reactive airway disease
• C. Intrinsic asthma
• D. Extrinsic asthma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening condition characterized by a severe and prolonged asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatments. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent respiratory failure and potential fatality. Reactive airway disease, intrinsic asthma, and extrinsic asthma do not specifically denote the severity and unresponsiveness to treatment seen in status asthmaticus.

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