Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 10-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. As part of the plan of care, the nurse focuses on maintaining his cardiopulmonary function. Which intervention would the nurse implement to best promote maximum chest expansion?

• A. Deep-breathing exercises
• B. Upright positioning
• C. Coughing
• D. Chest percussion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Upright positioning is the optimal intervention to promote maximum chest expansion in a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. By placing the child in an upright position, gravity can assist in expanding the chest cavity, facilitating better lung expansion and improving breathing efficiency. Deep-breathing exercises may be beneficial but are not as effective in maximizing chest expansion as upright positioning. Coughing and chest percussion focus more on airway clearance and are not directly aimed at promoting chest expansion.

2. A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler about the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Abdominal pain
• B. Constipation
• C. Irritability
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability is a significant symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers. Lead exposure can lead to behavioral changes, including irritability, which is crucial for parents to recognize. While abdominal pain and constipation can occur in lead poisoning, they are not as specific or prominent as irritability. Frequent urination is not typically associated with lead poisoning in toddlers, making it a less relevant symptom to emphasize. By highlighting irritability, parents can be better equipped to identify potential signs of lead poisoning in their toddler.

3. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. After determining that delivery is not imminent, you begin transport. While en route, the mother tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What is your most appropriate first action?

• A. Allow the head to deliver and check for the location of the cord.
• B. Advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery.
• C. Tell the mother to take short, quick breaths until you arrive at the hospital.
• D. Prepare the mother for an emergency delivery and open the obstetrics kit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate first action is to advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. When the baby's head is visible and delivery is imminent, it is crucial to provide immediate assistance to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby. Allowing the head to deliver and checking for the location of the cord (Choice A) may delay necessary actions during an imminent delivery. Instructing the mother to take short, quick breaths (Choice C) is not suitable as active delivery is already in progress. Preparing the mother for an emergency delivery and opening the obstetrics kit (Choice D) is not the most immediate action needed when the baby's head is already visible and delivery is imminent.

4. The healthcare provider is caring for an infant with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which clinical manifestation would indicate pyloric stenosis?

• A. abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation
• B. rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds
• C. visible peristalsis and weight loss
• D. distention of lower abdomen and constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Visible peristalsis and weight loss are classic clinical manifestations of pyloric stenosis. Visible peristalsis refers to the wave-like movements in the abdomen caused by the stomach trying to empty into the intestines due to the obstruction at the pylorus. Weight loss is often seen due to inadequate feeding and vomiting associated with this condition. Choices A, B, and D are not typical of pyloric stenosis. Abdominal rigidity and pain on palpation are more indicative of conditions like peritonitis. A rounded abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds are more suggestive of conditions like constipation or bowel obstruction. Distention of the lower abdomen and constipation are not specific to pyloric stenosis and may be seen in various gastrointestinal issues.

5. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.

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