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. A new mother asks the nurse when she should begin to breastfeed her newborn. The nurse's best response is:

• A. Within the first half-hour after birth
• B. After the newborn's first bath
• C. When the newborn begins to cry
• D. After administering vitamin K

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Initiating breastfeeding within the first half-hour after birth is crucial for successful breastfeeding and bonding, as recommended by the World Health Organization. This early initiation helps establish breastfeeding and supports the newborn's health by providing colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk. Choice B, 'After the newborn's first bath,' is incorrect because initiating breastfeeding should not be delayed after birth. Choice C, 'When the newborn begins to cry,' is incorrect as it does not promote timely initiation of breastfeeding. Choice D, 'After administering vitamin K,' is incorrect because breastfeeding initiation should not be delayed for this procedure.

3. A postpartum client is concerned about hair loss. The nurse explains that this is:

• A. A sign of nutritional deficiency
• B. A temporary condition due to hormonal changes
• C. An indication of a thyroid disorder
• D. A result of poor hair care during pregnancy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hair loss postpartum is a common temporary condition caused by hormonal changes that occur after giving birth. This condition is known as postpartum alopecia and is a normal part of the postpartum period. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this hair loss is temporary and usually resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because postpartum hair loss is primarily due to hormonal changes rather than nutritional deficiency. Choice C is incorrect as thyroid disorder is not typically the cause of postpartum hair loss. Choice D is incorrect as poor hair care during pregnancy does not cause postpartum hair loss.

4. When using the Ballard gestational assessment tool on a newborn, which of the following tests should be performed after the first hour of birth, allowing the newborn to recover from the stress of birth?

• A. Arm recoil
• B. Square window sign
• C. Scarf sign
• D. Popliteal angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Arm recoil. Arm recoil is slower in healthy but fatigued newborns after birth, making it best elicited after the first hour of birth when the baby has had time to recover from the stress of birth. This assessment helps evaluate neuromuscular maturity in newborns and is more accurate when performed after the initial recovery period. The other choices, Square window sign, Scarf sign, and Popliteal angle, are not specifically assessed using the Ballard gestational assessment tool and do not relate to the recovery period after birth.

5. 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.

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