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. A child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis is admitted to the hospital. What is the most important nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Encouraging fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a child with bronchiolitis is providing respiratory therapy. This intervention helps to maintain airway patency and improve breathing by assisting with mucus clearance and ventilation. Administering bronchodilators (Choice A) may be considered in some cases, but it is not the most crucial intervention for bronchiolitis. Monitoring oxygen saturation (Choice C) is important but is not as directly impactful as providing respiratory therapy. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice D) is important for hydration but does not directly address the respiratory distress associated with bronchiolitis.

3. During a routine monthly examination, a 5-month-old infant is brought to the pediatric clinic. What assessment finding should alert the nurse to notify the health care provider?

• A. Temperature of 99.5°F
• B. Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg
• C. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 50 breaths per minute in a 5-month-old infant is considered high and may indicate respiratory distress. Infants normally have a higher respiratory rate than older children and adults, but a rate of 50 breaths per minute is above the expected range. This finding warrants immediate attention as it may be indicative of an underlying respiratory issue or distress. Choice A (Temperature of 99.5°F) is within the normal range for body temperature and does not necessarily indicate a critical issue. Choice B (Blood pressure of 75/48 mm Hg) is not typically assessed in isolation for a 5-month-old infant during a routine examination, and the values provided are not indicative of a critical condition. Choice C (Heart rate of 100 beats per minute) is within the normal range for heart rate in infants and may not be a cause for immediate concern during a routine examination.

4. An 18-month-old was brought to the emergency department by her mother, who states, 'I think she broke her arm.' The child is sent for a radiograph to confirm the fracture. Additional assessment of the child leads the nurse to suspect possible child abuse. Which type of fracture would the radiograph most likely reveal?

• A. Plastic deformity
• B. Buckle fracture
• C. Spiral fracture
• D. Greenstick fracture

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A spiral fracture is a type of fracture often associated with twisting injuries and can raise suspicion of child abuse. This type of fracture is caused by a twisting force applied to a bone. Plastic deformity is not typically associated with fractures but refers to the ability of a material to change shape and retain that shape. A buckle fracture, also known as a torus fracture, is an incomplete break in a bone commonly seen in children. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture where the bone is bent and partially broken, more commonly seen in children due to their bone flexibility.

5. You are managing a 10-month-old infant who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. You have initiated supplemental oxygen therapy and elevated the lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that the child's work of breathing has increased. What must you do first?

• A. Lower the extremities and reassess the child
• B. Begin positive pressure ventilations and reassess the child
• C. Place a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow
• D. Listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the infant is showing signs of shock with increased work of breathing. Lowering the extremities helps improve venous return to the heart, cardiac output, and oxygenation by reducing the pressure on the diaphragm. This action can alleviate the respiratory distress and is a critical step to take in a child with signs of shock. Beginning positive pressure ventilations (Choice B) should be considered if the infant's respiratory distress worsens despite lowering the extremities. Placing a nasopharyngeal airway and increasing oxygen flow (Choice C) may not directly address the increased work of breathing or the underlying shock condition. Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (Choice D) may provide information on lung sounds but does not address the immediate need to improve breathing in a child with signs of shock.

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