Nursing Elites

1. A 3-year-old with a congenital heart defect has had a steady decrease in heart rate, now at 76 bpm from 110 bpm four hours ago. Which additional finding should be reported immediately to a healthcare provider?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 94%.
• B. Respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute.
• C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr.
• D. Blood pressure of 70/40.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A significant drop in heart rate and blood pressure should be reported immediately as it may indicate worsening of the congenital heart defect. The blood pressure of 70/40 is dangerously low and requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Oxygen saturation of 94% is within an acceptable range and does not indicate immediate danger. A respiratory rate of 25 breaths/minute is slightly elevated but not a critical finding. Urine output of 20 mL/hr is low but may not be the most concerning finding in this scenario compared to the drop in blood pressure.

2. The nurse is conducting an admission assessment of an 11-month-old infant with CHF who is scheduled for repair of restenosis of coarctation of the aorta that was repaired 4 days after birth. Findings include blood pressure higher in the arms than the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. What pathophysiologic mechanisms support these findings?

• A. The aortic semilunar valve obstructs blood flow into the systemic circulation
• B. The lumen of the aorta reduces the volume of the blood flow to the lower extremities
• C. The pulmonic valve prevents adequate blood volume into the pulmonary circulation
• D. An opening in the atrial septum causes a murmur due to a turbulent left to right shunt

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The findings are consistent with coarctation of the aorta, where narrowing of the aorta leads to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. This results in higher blood pressure in the arms compared to the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the pathophysiological mechanisms of coarctation of the aorta, which specifically involves narrowing of the aortic lumen reducing blood flow to the lower extremities.

3. Which nursing intervention is most important to assist in detecting hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism in children?

• A. Carefully recording the height and weight of children to detect inappropriate growth.
• B. Performing head circumference measurements on infants under one year of age.
• C. Assessing for behavioral problems at home and school by interviewing the parents.
• D. Noting tracked weight gain without a gain in height on a growth chart.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Recording the height and weight of children is crucial in detecting growth abnormalities like hypopituitarism and hyperpituitarism. Inappropriate growth patterns, such as disproportionate weight gain or stunted height, can be indicative of these conditions. Regular monitoring of height and weight is a fundamental nursing intervention that can aid in the early identification and management of pituitary-related disorders in children.

4. The nurse is planning for a 5-month-old with gastroesophageal reflux disease whose weight has decreased by 3 ounces since the last clinic visit one month ago. To increase caloric intake and decrease vomiting, what instructions should the nurse provide this mother?

• A. Give small amounts of baby food with each feeding.
• B. Thicken formula with cereal for each feeding.
• C. Dilute the child's formula with equal parts of water.
• D. Offer 10% dextrose in water between most feedings.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thickening formula with cereal is a recommended intervention for infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to help reduce vomiting and increase caloric intake. This modification can help the infant keep the food down better, reducing reflux symptoms while providing adequate nutrition. Giving small amounts of baby food with each feeding (Choice A) is not recommended for a 5-month-old with GERD as it may exacerbate symptoms. Diluting the child's formula with equal parts of water (Choice C) can lead to inadequate nutrition and is not advisable. Offering 10% dextrose in water between most feedings (Choice D) is not appropriate for managing GERD in infants and does not address the underlying issue of reflux.

5. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 to 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

• A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
• B. Diaphragmatic respiration.
• C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
• D. Flaring of the nares.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates an increased effort to breathe and is a crucial finding that requires immediate attention, as it signifies the child is having difficulty breathing and may be in respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds may be present in conditions like pneumonia but do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic respiration is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute in a 4-month-old infant is within the expected range, so it does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.

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