Nursing Elites

1. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

2. Why is knowledge of developmental theories useful for the nurse?

• A. Allows the nurse to know exactly what to do when caring for pediatric patients
• B. Is predictable and aids in controlling the child’s development
• C. Is a set of facts that each child follows in a prescribed method
• D. Provides a framework to guide the nurse in caring for the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Understanding developmental theories helps nurses anticipate and plan appropriate care based on the child’s developmental stage. Choice A is incorrect because developmental theories provide a framework but do not dictate exact actions. Choice B is incorrect as developmental processes are not entirely predictable and are not meant to control a child’s development. Choice C is incorrect as developmental theories are not a strict set of facts that all children follow in a prescribed manner, but rather guidelines for understanding and supporting a child's growth and development.

3. Which reflex, present at birth, is elicited by stroking the sole of the infant's foot, resulting in the fanning of the toes?

• A. Babinski
• B. Moro
• C. Sucking
• D. Rooting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Babinski reflex is the correct answer. This reflex is characterized by the fanning out of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked. It is a normal reflex in infants and is typically present at birth, disappearing by around 12 months of age. The Moro reflex, which involves the infant's response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise, is not related to the fanning of toes. Sucking and rooting reflexes are related to feeding behaviors and are not elicited by stroking the sole of the foot.

4. The nurse needs to take the blood pressure of a small child. Of the cuffs available, one is too large and one is too small. The best nursing action is which?

• A. Use the small cuff
• B. Use the large cuff
• C. Use either cuff using the palpation method
• D. Wait to take the blood pressure until a proper cuff can be located

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is essential to use the correct cuff size for accurate blood pressure readings; if the proper size is not available, it's best to wait until it can be obtained.

5. If the needs of the infant are met in a loving, consistent manner, the infant will develop a sense of:

• A. Trust
• B. Love
• C. Independence
• D. Responsibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trust. According to Erikson's psychosocial development theory, when infants receive consistent and loving care, they develop trust. This trust forms the basis of the first stage of psychosocial development, known as Trust vs. Mistrust. Trust is essential for healthy social and emotional development. Choice B, Love, is incorrect as it is more of an emotion than a developmental stage. Choice C, Independence, typically occurs later in development during Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage. Choice D, Responsibility, is also not the correct answer as it relates more to later stages of development where individuals develop a sense of duty and obligation.

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