Nursing Elites

1. During the initial assessment of the newborn, which of the following data would be considered normal?

• A. Chest circumference 31.5 cm, head circumference 33.5 cm
• B. Chest circumference 30 cm, head circumference 29 cm
• C. Chest circumference 38 cm, head circumference 31.5 cm
• D. Chest circumference 32.5 cm, head circumference 36 cm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. During the initial assessment of a newborn, the average head circumference at birth is 32 to 37 cm, while the average chest circumference ranges from 30 to 35 cm. Normally, the head's circumference is about 2 cm greater than the chest circumference at birth. Choice A provides measurements of chest circumference 31.5 cm and head circumference 33.5 cm, both falling within the normal range in terms of actual size and relative size. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the typical measurements seen in a healthy newborn. Choice B has both circumferences below the average range, choice C has the chest circumference above the average, and choice D has the head circumference notably higher than the chest circumference, which is not typical for a newborn.

2. Which of the following signs would you expect to see in a child with respiratory failure?

• A. Slow, irregular breathing
• B. Flushed skin
• C. Strong cry
• D. Unconsciousness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a child with respiratory failure, slow, irregular breathing is a common sign. Respiratory failure impairs the ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently, leading to altered breathing patterns. Flushed skin, a strong cry, or unconsciousness may not be specific signs of respiratory failure and could be indicative of other conditions. Flushed skin may be a sign of fever or increased blood flow, a strong cry may indicate pain or distress, and unconsciousness can have various causes beyond respiratory failure.

3. A 6-year-old male is hospitalized in stable condition with multiple fractures following a car accident. The child's parents tell the nurse that their 7-year-old daughter is very upset about the accident and is concerned that her brother will die. Which suggestion by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage the parents to phone the sister frequently with updates on her brother's condition.
• B. Suggest that the sister come to the hospital for a visit.
• C. Suggest that one parent leave the hospital to spend extra time with their daughter at home.
• D. Remind the parents that it is normal for children to be upset when their sibling is hospitalized.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations where a sibling is upset about a family member being hospitalized, suggesting that the sister come to the hospital for a visit can help alleviate her concerns. This allows the sister to see her brother, ask questions, and receive reassurance from seeing him in stable condition. Direct contact and interaction can often provide more comfort and understanding than phone calls or staying at home. Encouraging phone calls (Choice A) might not provide the same level of comfort as a physical visit. While spending extra time with the daughter at home (Choice C) is important, in this scenario, facilitating a visit to the hospital can address the daughter's immediate concerns better. Reminding the parents that it is normal for children to be upset (Choice D) is not as proactive as arranging for the sister to visit her brother.

4. Which of the following is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Capillary refill

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillary refill is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults. This is because children have more compliant vessels, making capillary refill a more sensitive indicator of perfusion status in this population. In contrast, while blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important indicators, they may not be as reliable in children as capillary refill. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as anxiety or pain, heart rate can be influenced by emotions or temperature, and respiratory rate may vary with activity levels. Therefore, capillary refill is preferred in children for a more accurate assessment of perfusion.

5. When responding to a call for a 2-year-old child who fell from a second-story window, with the mechanism of injury and the age of the patient in mind, you should suspect that the primary injury occurred to the child's:

• A. chest.
• B. head.
• C. lower extremities.
• D. abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a scenario where a young child falls from a significant height like a second-story window, the primary injury is more likely to be to the head. This is because young children have proportionately larger head sizes compared to their body, making them more susceptible to head injuries in such falls. The chest (Choice A), lower extremities (Choice C), and abdomen (Choice D) are less likely to sustain the primary injury in this scenario, as the impact of the fall and the child's anatomy predispose the head to be the most affected area.

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