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. Upon delivery of a baby's head, you see that the umbilical cord is wrapped around its neck. Initial treatment for this condition should include:

• A. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.
• B. Gently pulling on the cord to facilitate removal.
• C. Trying to remove the cord from around the neck.
• D. Keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When encountering a situation where the umbilical cord is wrapped around a baby's neck upon delivery, the initial treatment should involve trying to remove the cord from around the neck gently. It is crucial to handle this situation delicately to avoid causing harm to the baby. Attempting to ease the cord over the baby's head without pulling or tightening can help prevent potential complications associated with cord compression. Choice A, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, is not recommended as it can lead to abrupt deprivation of oxygen to the baby. Choice B, gently pulling on the cord, can worsen the situation by tightening the cord around the baby's neck. Choice D, keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport, is not the immediate concern and does not address the potential risks of cord compression during delivery. Therefore, the priority is to carefully attempt to remove the cord from around the baby's neck to ensure a safe delivery.

3. What comment made by a parent of a 1-month-old would alert the nurse about the presence of a congenital heart defect?

• A. He is always hungry.
• B. He tires out during feedings.
• C. He is fussy for several hours every day.
• D. He sleeps all the time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing a 1-month-old tiring out during feedings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a congenital heart defect. This symptom may indicate that the infant is expending excess energy to compensate for a heart issue, leading to fatigue during feeding. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to a congenital heart defect. Being always hungry, fussy, or sleeping a lot are not specific signs of a congenital heart defect in a 1-month-old.

4. When inserting an oropharyngeal airway in a small child, what is the preferred method?

• A. Insert the airway with the curvature towards the roof of the mouth and then rotate it 180 degrees.
• B. Insert the airway as you would in an adult, but use an airway that is one size smaller than usual.
• C. Depress the tongue with a tongue blade and insert the airway with the downward curve facing the tongue.
• D. Open the airway with the tongue-jaw lift maneuver and insert the airway until slight resistance is met.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When inserting an oropharyngeal airway in a small child, it is crucial to depress the tongue with a tongue blade and insert the airway with the downward curve facing the tongue. This technique helps in maintaining an open airway and preventing obstruction by the tongue. Placing the airway with the curve facing the roof of the mouth or using a smaller size is not recommended for small children, as it may not effectively keep the airway patent. The tongue-jaw lift maneuver is not the preferred method for inserting an oropharyngeal airway in small children.

5. You arrive at the scene shortly after a 3-year-old female experienced a seizure. The child, who is being held by her mother, is conscious and crying. The mother tells you that her daughter has been ill recently and has a temperature of 102.5°F. What is the MOST appropriate treatment for this child?

• A. Oxygen via non-rebreathing mask, place the child in a tub of cold water to lower her body temperature, and transport.
• B. Oxygen via the blow-by technique, transport, and request a paramedic intercept so an anticonvulsant drug can be given.
• C. Oxygen via non-rebreathing mask, avoid any measures to lower the child's body temperature, and transport at once.
• D. Oxygen via the blow-by technique, remove clothing to help reduce her fever, and transport with continuous monitoring.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate treatment for a child who has experienced a seizure and has a fever includes administering oxygen via the blow-by technique, removing clothing to help reduce fever, and transporting the child with continuous monitoring. Choice A is incorrect because placing the child in a tub of cold water can lead to hypothermia and is not recommended for fever reduction. Choice B is incorrect as requesting an anticonvulsant drug without proper evaluation and assessment by a healthcare provider is not appropriate. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding measures to lower the child's body temperature can worsen the situation in case of febrile seizures. Therefore, the best course of action is to provide oxygen via the blow-by technique, remove excess clothing to reduce fever, and transport the child while continuously monitoring her condition.

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