Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is conducting an admission assessment of an 11-month-old infant with CHF who is scheduled for repair of restenosis of coarctation of the aorta that was repaired 4 days after birth. Findings include blood pressure higher in the arms than the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. What pathophysiologic mechanisms support these findings?

• A. The aortic semilunar valve obstructs blood flow into the systemic circulation
• B. The lumen of the aorta reduces the volume of the blood flow to the lower extremities
• C. The pulmonic valve prevents adequate blood volume into the pulmonary circulation
• D. An opening in the atrial septum causes a murmur due to a turbulent left to right shunt

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The findings are consistent with coarctation of the aorta, where narrowing of the aorta leads to decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. This results in higher blood pressure in the arms compared to the lower extremities, pounding brachial pulses, and slightly palpable femoral pulses. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the pathophysiological mechanisms of coarctation of the aorta, which specifically involves narrowing of the aortic lumen reducing blood flow to the lower extremities.

2. What recommendation should the PN provide to help a 5-year-old girl who has started wetting the bed again after being dry at night for several months?

• A. Explain that bedwetting is normal in children and will pass with time.
• B. Advise limiting fluids in the evening and before bedtime.
• C. Suggest punishing the child for wetting the bed to prevent recurrence.
• D. Encourage the child to use the bathroom immediately before bed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging the child to use the bathroom before bed is a helpful recommendation to prevent nighttime bedwetting. Bedwetting can sometimes reoccur due to stress or other factors, and ensuring the child empties their bladder before sleeping may reduce the likelihood of bedwetting episodes. Choice A is incorrect because while bedwetting is common in children, it is essential to provide practical solutions rather than just reassurance. Choice B is not the best option for a child who has recently started bedwetting again after being dry, as it may not address the underlying cause. Choice C is inappropriate and harmful as punishing the child for bedwetting can lead to psychological distress and worsen the situation.

3. When instilling ear drops in a 2-year-old child, how should the practical nurse (PN) position the earlobe to straighten the external auditory canal?

• A. Up and back.
• B. Down and back.
• C. Up and forward.
• D. Down and forward.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When administering ear drops to a child under three years old, it is essential to pull the earlobe down and back. This positioning helps straighten the external auditory canal, facilitating the proper administration of the ear drops. Pulling the earlobe down and back in young children aims to ensure that the medication reaches the intended area for optimal effectiveness.

4. When caring for a child with Kawasaki disease, which symptom is the most significant for making this diagnosis?

• A. Desquamation of the palms and soles.
• B. Cervical lymphadenopathy.
• C. Erythema of the hands and feet.
• D. Strawberry tongue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Erythema of the hands and feet is a key diagnostic criterion for Kawasaki disease. This, along with other symptoms like fever and strawberry tongue, helps in making the diagnosis. While desquamation of the palms and soles, cervical lymphadenopathy, and strawberry tongue are associated with Kawasaki disease, the presence of erythema of the hands and feet is particularly significant in diagnosing this condition.

5. The healthcare provider finds a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the infant is still not breathing, which action should the provider take?

• A. Palpate femoral pulse and check for regularity.
• B. Deliver cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths.
• C. Give two breaths that make the chest rise.
• D. Feel the carotid pulse and check for adequate breathing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric basic life support, for an unresponsive infant who is not breathing normally, the correct action is to give two breaths that make the chest rise. This helps provide oxygen to the infant's body and is a crucial step in resuscitation efforts for infants in distress. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Palpating the femoral pulse or feeling the carotid pulse is not indicated in this scenario where the infant is unresponsive and not breathing. Delivering cycles of chest compressions and breaths is not the immediate action to take; the priority is to provide two breaths to help with oxygenation.

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