Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing a newborn who was precipitously delivered at 38 weeks' gestation. The newborn is tremulous, tachycardic, and hypertensive. Which assessment action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Perform a gestational age assessment.
• B. Obtain a drug screen for cocaine.
• C. Determine reactivity of neonatal reflexes.
• D. Weigh and measure the newborn.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to obtain a drug screen for cocaine. Tremulousness, tachycardia, and hypertension in a newborn can be signs of neonatal abstinence syndrome, often caused by maternal drug use, such as cocaine. Identifying maternal drug use is crucial for appropriate management and treatment of the newborn.

2. The healthcare provider is reviewing the serum laboratory findings for a 5-day-old infant with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Which laboratory result should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Bilirubin of 1.5 mg/dl.
• B. Glucose of 80 mg/dl.
• C. Potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.
• D. Sodium of 119 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Low sodium levels in congenital adrenal hyperplasia can indicate salt-wasting crisis, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention. Monitoring sodium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as dehydration and shock in these patients.

3. A child with leukemia is admitted for chemotherapy, and the nursing diagnosis 'altered nutrition, less than body requirements related to anorexia, nausea, and vomiting' is identified. Which intervention should the nurse include in this child’s plan of care?

• A. Allow the child to eat any food desired and tolerated.
• B. Provide small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories.
• C. Offer the child preferred foods and avoid foods that are not well-tolerated.
• D. Consult with a dietitian to provide appropriate nutritional support.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In children with leukemia undergoing chemotherapy, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting are common issues leading to altered nutrition. Providing small, frequent meals that are high in protein and calories is essential to address these symptoms and meet the child's nutritional needs effectively. This approach helps in managing the side effects of treatment and supporting the child's nutritional requirements during this challenging time.

4. A 38-week primigravida who works at a desk job and sits at a computer for 8 hours each day tells the nurse that her feet have begun to swell. Which instruction would be most effective in preventing pooling of blood in the lower extremities?

• A. Wear support stockings.
• B. Reduce salt in her diet.
• C. Move about every hour.
• D. Avoid constrictive clothing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, it is common for women to experience swelling due to decreased circulation. Encouraging the patient to move about every hour helps prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities by promoting circulation. This simple activity can help alleviate swelling and discomfort associated with prolonged sitting.

5. A full-term, 24-hour-old infant in the nursery regurgitates and suddenly turns cyanotic. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Suction the oral and nasal passages.
• B. Give oxygen by positive pressure.
• C. Stimulate the infant to cry.
• D. Turn the infant onto the right side.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a situation where an infant regurgitates and turns cyanotic, the priority action should be to clear any potential airway obstruction. Suctioning the oral and nasal passages is crucial to ensure the infant's airway is clear and allow for proper breathing. This intervention takes precedence over providing oxygen, stimulating the infant to cry, or repositioning the infant.

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