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. What is the most likely cause of a sudden onset of respiratory distress in a 5-year-old child with no fever?

• A. Infection of the lower airways.
• B. A progressive upper airway infection.
• C. Inflammation of the upper airway.
• D. A foreign body airway obstruction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sudden onset of respiratory distress in a child without fever is most likely due to a foreign body airway obstruction. This obstruction can rapidly lead to difficulty breathing, stridor, and other signs of respiratory distress without necessarily causing a fever. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent further complications and ensure the child's airway remains clear.

3. Which of the following is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Capillary refill

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillary refill is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults. This is because children have more compliant vessels, making capillary refill a more sensitive indicator of perfusion status in this population. In contrast, while blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important indicators, they may not be as reliable in children as capillary refill. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as anxiety or pain, heart rate can be influenced by emotions or temperature, and respiratory rate may vary with activity levels. Therefore, capillary refill is preferred in children for a more accurate assessment of perfusion.

4. How will a ventricular septal defect affect blood flow?

• A. Blood will shunt left to right, causing increased pulmonary flow and no cyanosis.
• B. Blood will shunt right to left, causing decreased pulmonary flow and cyanosis.
• C. No shunting occurs due to high pressure in the left ventricle.
• D. Increased pressure in the left atrium hinders the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ventricular septal defect allows blood to shunt left to right, leading to increased pulmonary flow. This results in oxygenated blood mixing with deoxygenated blood, causing no cyanosis as the mixed blood is still oxygenated. The shunting from left to right overloads the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary flow. Choice B is incorrect because blood does not shunt right to left in a ventricular septal defect. Choice C is incorrect as shunting does occur due to the pressure differences between the ventricles. Choice D is incorrect because the defect affects the ventricles, not the atrium, and does not hinder the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

5. A toddler is admitted to the hospital because of sudden hoarseness, holding or pointing to their neck, and continuous cough. The nurse will be particularly concerned about:

• A. Acute respiratory tract infection
• B. Respiratory tract obstruction caused by a foreign body
• C. Retropharyngeal abscess
• D. Undetected laryngeal abnormality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a toddler presenting with sudden hoarseness, holding or pointing to their neck, and continuous cough, the nurse should be particularly concerned about respiratory tract obstruction caused by a foreign body. These symptoms are indicative of a possible foreign body in the airway, which can lead to serious complications and requires immediate attention to ensure the toddler's airway remains patent and unobstructed.

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