Nursing Elites

1. What is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients?

• A. Hypertension.
• B. Arthritis.
• C. Heart disease.
• D. Altered mental status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. It encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease and heart failure, which are more prevalent in older individuals. These conditions can lead to serious complications and ultimately result in higher mortality rates among the elderly population. Hypertension (choice A) is a risk factor for heart disease but not the leading cause of death in geriatric patients. Arthritis (choice B) is a chronic condition affecting the joints, not a primary cause of death in this population. Altered mental status (choice D) is a symptom rather than a leading cause of death in geriatric patients.

2. When teaching a new mother how to perform perineal care, which instruction should be included?

• A. Use a front-to-back motion when cleaning the perineal area
• B. Use a peri-bottle filled with warm water after each voiding
• C. Avoid using any cleansing solution on the perineal area
• D. Apply powder to the perineal area to keep it dry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a peri-bottle filled with warm water after each voiding is essential for proper perineal care as it helps cleanse the area without causing irritation and promotes healing. It is important to avoid using a back-to-front motion to prevent introducing bacteria into the urethra, and using powder may increase the risk of infection. Cleansing solutions specifically formulated for perineal care may be recommended but should be used under healthcare provider guidance.

3. Following delivery of a newborn, the 21-year-old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding. You note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120 beats/min and she is diaphoretic. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, treatment should include:

• A. treating for shock and uterine massage during transport.
• B. uterine massage and transport.
• C. placing her on her left side and transport.
• D. internal vaginal pads and treating for shock during transport.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the mother is showing signs of postpartum hemorrhage with increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and mild vaginal bleeding. The correct approach involves treating for shock by addressing hypovolemia and providing uterine massage to help control bleeding. Administering high-flow oxygen is essential. Therefore, the most appropriate option is to treat for shock and perform uterine massage during transport to manage the postpartum hemorrhage effectively.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who had undergone vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings is least likely to be observed in a normal newborn?

• A. (+) Moro reflex
• B. Heart rate is 80 bpm
• C. Respirations are irregular
• D. Uneven head shape

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 bpm is least likely to be observed in a normal newborn. The normal heart rate range for a newborn is usually higher than 80 bpm, typically ranging from 120-160 bpm. The Moro reflex (choice A) is a normal newborn reflex, respirations being irregular (choice C) are expected due to the immature respiratory control center, and an uneven head shape (choice D) is common due to molding during vaginal delivery.

5. Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

• A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
• C. Abdominal breathing
• D. Grunting respirations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.

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