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. What clinical manifestation(s) should the nurse expect to see as shock progresses in a child and becomes decompensated shock?

• A. Thirst
• B. Irritability
• C. Apprehension
• D. Confusion and somnolence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As shock progresses and decompensation occurs, confusion and somnolence are indicative of reduced cerebral perfusion. Early signs include thirst and irritability, while confusion and altered consciousness appear as the condition worsens.

3. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

• A. The perianal or rectal area
• B. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• C. The lower GI tract
• D. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

4. What intervention is contraindicated in a suspected case of appendicitis?

• A. Enemas
• B. Palpating the abdomen
• C. Administration of antibiotics
• D. Administration of antipyretics for fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Enemas are contraindicated in cases of suspected appendicitis because they can increase the risk of perforation. The pressure from the enema can exacerbate inflammation and potentially lead to the rupture of the appendix. Palpating the abdomen gently is essential for diagnosing appendicitis, as it helps identify the characteristic signs like rebound tenderness. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat the infection associated with appendicitis, and antipyretics are administered to manage fever, which is a common symptom of the condition. Therefore, enemas are the intervention to avoid in suspected appendicitis cases.

5. A parent of an infant with gastroesophageal reflux asks how to decrease the number and total volume of emesis. What recommendation should the nurse include in teaching this parent?

• A. Surgical therapy is indicated.
• B. Place the infant in a prone position for sleep after feeding.
• C. Thicken feedings and enlarge the nipple hole.
• D. Reduce the frequency of feeding by encouraging larger volumes of formula.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct recommendation for decreasing the number and total volume of emesis in an infant with gastroesophageal reflux is to thicken feedings and enlarge the nipple hole. Thicker feedings can reduce the frequency and volume of emesis by making the food less likely to be regurgitated. Enlarging the nipple hole helps ensure the thickened feedings can pass through. Surgical therapy (Choice A) is not the initial recommendation for managing gastroesophageal reflux in infants. Placing the infant in a prone position for sleep after feeding (Choice B) is not recommended due to the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Reducing the frequency of feeding by encouraging larger volumes of formula (Choice D) can exacerbate the reflux symptoms.

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