Nursing Elites

1. During the 5-minute Apgar assessment of a newborn, you note a heart rate of 130 beats/min, cyanosis in the hands and feet, and rapid respirations. The baby cries when you flick the soles of its feet and resists leg straightening. These findings correspond to an Apgar score of:

• A. 9
• B. 7
• C. 8
• D. 10

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Apgar score is a rapid assessment tool to evaluate the newborn's transition to life outside the womb. The Apgar score is based on five components: heart rate (>100 bpm), respiratory effort (rapid breathing), muscle tone (resisting leg straightening), reflex irritability (crying when feet are flicked), and color (cyanosis to extremities). The described findings match a score of 9, indicating good overall condition and adaptation to extrauterine life.

2. When managing Kofi, a 3-year-old who is on admission and being managed for pneumonia, the nurse has just administered ibuprofen to a child with a temperature of 38.8°C. The nurse should also take which action?

• A. Plan to administer salicylate (aspirin) in 4 hours
• B. Remove excess clothing and blankets from the child
• C. Sponge the child with cold water
• D. Withhold oral fluids for 8 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Removing excess clothing and blankets helps to promote heat loss and reduce fever. This intervention, along with the administration of antipyretics like ibuprofen, can aid in lowering the child's temperature and improving comfort during fever episodes.

3. What is the MOST appropriate method for assessing a small child's level of responsiveness?

• A. Palpate for a radial pulse.
• B. Shout at the child to see if they respond.
• C. Ask the parent about the child's level of responsiveness.
• D. Tap the child and shout, 'Are you okay?'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When assessing a small child's level of responsiveness, the most appropriate method is to tap the child and shout, 'Are you okay?' This approach is more likely to elicit a response from the child, providing a direct assessment of their level of consciousness and responsiveness. Palpating for a radial pulse (Choice A) is not the most direct method for assessing responsiveness in a child. Shouting at the child (Choice B) may startle them and not provide an accurate assessment. Asking the parent (Choice C) does not directly evaluate the child's responsiveness.

4. A 3-year-old boy is found to be in cardiopulmonary arrest. As you begin one-rescuer CPR, your partner prepares the AED. What is the appropriate compression to ventilation ratio for this child?

• A. 3:01
• B. 30:2
• C. 15:2
• D. 5:1

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct compression to ventilation ratio for a single rescuer performing CPR on a child is 30:2. This ratio ensures adequate circulation and oxygenation during CPR. 30 compressions help maintain blood flow, while 2 rescue breaths provide oxygenation. Choice A (3:01) is incorrect as it does not follow the standard CPR guidelines for children. Choice C (15:2) is incorrect as it is the ratio used for adult CPR. Choice D (5:1) is incorrect as it is not the recommended ratio for child CPR.

5. What is the term for a condition where there is a failure of the pituitary to produce sufficient growth hormone to sustain normal growth in children, with 80% of cases being idiopathic? It may present with familial patterns, affecting males more than females.

• A. Cretinism
• B. Growth hormone deficiency
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Precocious puberty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Growth hormone deficiency refers to a condition where there is inadequate production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland. This results in impaired growth in children. While 80% of cases are of unknown cause (idiopathic), some may have familial patterns. It is more common in males than females. Cretinism is a condition of severe hypothyroidism during infancy, not related to growth hormone. Hypothyroidism is a disorder involving low thyroid hormone levels, and precocious puberty is the early onset of puberty. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Growth hormone deficiency.'

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