Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for an infant who was born 24 hr ago to a mother who received no prenatal care. The infant is a poor feeder but sucks avidly on his hands. Clinical manifestations also include hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, and a high-pitched shrill cry. What does the nurse consider as a possible diagnosis for this infant?

• A. Seizure disorder
• B. Narcotic withdrawal
• C. Placental insufficiency
• D. Meconium aspiration syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the infant's symptoms are consistent with narcotic withdrawal. Infants exposed to drugs in utero may display withdrawal symptoms starting around 12 to 24 hours post-birth. The presentation often includes hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, high-pitched shrill cry, poor feeding, and sucking avidly on hands. Signs such as loose stools, tachycardia, fever, projectile vomiting, sneezing, and generalized sweating are common. These symptoms are not indicative of a seizure disorder. Placental insufficiency typically leads to a small-for-gestational-age child, which is not mentioned in the scenario. Meconium aspiration syndrome primarily presents with respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in this case.

2. What is an important intervention in providing a neutral thermal environment for an LBW infant in an incubator?

• A. Use wool blankets.
• B. Avoid using disposable diapers.
• C. Prevent heat loss.
• D. Closely monitor both incubator and rectal temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing heat loss in a low birth weight (LBW) infant is crucial in maintaining a neutral thermal environment. The use of cotton blankets is recommended over wool blankets. Avoiding disposable diapers is not directly related to maintaining a neutral thermal environment. While monitoring temperatures is important, the key intervention is preventing heat loss to ensure the infant's survival.

3. Several types of seizures can occur in neonates. What is characteristic of clonic seizures?

• A. Apnea
• B. Tremors
• C. Extension of all four limbs
• D. Jerking that cannot be stopped by flexion of the affected limb

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clonic seizures are characterized by slow, rhythmic, jerking movements that cannot be stopped by flexion of the affected limb. Therefore, the correct characteristic of clonic seizures is option D. Option A, apnea, is not characteristic of clonic seizures. Option B, tremors, does not describe clonic seizures accurately. Option C, extension of all four limbs, is not a typical feature of clonic seizures but rather seen in tonic seizures.

4. A parent brings their 4-year-old child for a check-up. Which finding would concern the nurse?

• A. Ectomorphic body type
• B. Resting pulse rate of 120
• C. Weight gain of 5 lb (2.27 kg) in the past year
• D. No increase in appetite compared with that in toddler years

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A resting pulse rate of 120 is elevated for a 4-year-old and may indicate an underlying issue that needs further investigation. An ectomorphic body type is a body shape and not typically a cause for concern. Weight gain within normal limits and no significant change in appetite are generally positive findings in a growing child.

5. What is the most appropriate intervention for a child with suspected acute appendicitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Apply heat to the abdomen
• C. Encourage oral fluids
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for surgery. Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent complications like rupture and peritonitis. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be part of the treatment plan but should not delay surgical intervention. Applying heat to the abdomen (choice B) is not recommended as it can worsen the inflammation of the appendix. Encouraging oral fluids (choice C) is generally beneficial, but the priority in acute appendicitis is surgical intervention.

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