Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is counseling a young couple who, in 2 months, are having their third baby. The nurse uses Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families to analyze the family structure. Which best describes the main emphasis of this theory and its application to family dynamics?

• A. It emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components.
• B. It emphasizes the social system of the family, such as the organization or structure of the family and how the structure relates to the function.
• C. It emphasizes the developmental stages that all families go through, beginning with marriage; the longitudinal career of the family is also known as the family life cycle.
• D. It addresses the way families respond to stress and how the family copes with the stress as a group and how each individual member copes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components. This perspective views the family as a dynamic entity where each member's actions and behaviors impact the overall functioning of the family unit. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses more on the social aspects of family structure rather than the systemic view provided by Von Bertalanffy's theory. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains more to the family life cycle theory, which is different from the general system theory. Choice D is incorrect as it addresses stress response within families, a concept not central to Von Bertalanffy's general system theory.

2. When you attempt to assess a 22-year-old woman who has been sexually assaulted, and she orders you not to touch her, your most appropriate initial action should be to

• A. ask the patient to sign a release form
• B. ask a female EMT-B to attempt to assess the patient
• C. explain to the patient that she must be examined
• D. transport the patient without performing an assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient has requested not to be touched, indicating a need for sensitivity and understanding. Asking a female EMT-B to attempt to assess the patient is the most appropriate initial action as it respects the patient's need for privacy, comfort, and potentially reduces re-traumatization. Asking the patient to sign a release form (Choice A) is not suitable as it disregards the patient's immediate concerns. Explaining to the patient that she must be examined (Choice C) may further distress her and violate her autonomy. Transporting the patient without performing an assessment (Choice D) ignores the patient's expressed wishes and may lead to inadequate care.

3. During the health assessment of a school-age child, on which problem would the nurse focus more attention based on the child's developmental level?

• A. Infections
• B. Poisonings
• C. Risk-taking behaviors
• D. Accidents and injuries

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the school-age years, children are more physically active and curious, which increases their risk of accidents and injuries. This developmental stage is characterized by increased exploration and engagement in physical activities. While infections and poisonings are important health concerns, school-age children are more likely to be affected by accidents and injuries due to their active nature. Risk-taking behaviors may become more prevalent in adolescence rather than during the school-age period, making it a less likely focus for the nurse during the health assessment of a school-age child.

4. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.

5. Following delivery of a newborn, the 21-year-old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding. You note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120 beats/min and she is diaphoretic. Management should include

• A. Oxygen, uterine massage, and transport
• B. Oxygen, placement on the left side, and transport
• C. Oxygen, treatment for shock, and uterine massage during transport
• D. Oxygen, internal vaginal pads, and treatment for shock during transport

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the 21-year-old mother is showing signs of hemorrhagic shock with increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and vaginal bleeding. The appropriate management includes providing oxygen to support tissue perfusion, treating for shock to restore adequate circulation, and performing uterine massage to help control bleeding during transport. Options A, B, and D do not address the comprehensive management needed for postpartum hemorrhage in this situation.

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