Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

2. Which is described as an elevated, circumscribed skin lesion that is less than 1 cm in diameter and filled with serous fluid?

• A. Cyst
• B. Papule
• C. Pustule
• D. Vesicle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A vesicle is an elevated, circumscribed lesion filled with serous fluid, typically less than 1 cm in diameter.

3. What is an essential nursing care intervention for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula?

• A. Feed glucose water only.
• B. Elevate the patient's head for feedings.
• C. Raise the patient's head and give nothing by mouth.
• D. Avoid suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Raising the patient’s head and giving nothing by mouth is crucial in managing tracheoesophageal fistula. This intervention helps prevent aspiration and further complications until surgical correction can be performed. Feeding the neonate or suctioning could exacerbate the condition by risking aspiration. Elevating the head for feedings does not address the primary concern of preventing oral intake, making it less appropriate than the correct answer.

4. 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.

5. When assessing a preschooler's chest, what should the nurse expect?

• A. Respiratory movements to be chiefly thoracic
• B. Anteroposterior diameter to be equal to the transverse diameter
• C. Retraction of the muscles between the ribs on respiratory movement
• D. Movement of the chest wall to be symmetric bilaterally and coordinated with breathing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a preschooler, chest movement should be symmetric and coordinated with breathing, indicating healthy respiratory function.

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