Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin eye ointment to a newborn. The mother asks why this is necessary. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. It helps to prevent eye infections caused by bacteria in the birth canal.
• B. It protects the baby's eyes from bright lights in the delivery room.
• C. It prevents the development of jaundice.
• D. It helps the baby see more clearly after birth.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Erythromycin eye ointment is administered to newborns to prevent eye infections caused by bacteria present in the birth canal. This ointment does not have a direct correlation with protecting the baby's eyes from bright lights, preventing jaundice, or improving the baby's vision clarity post-birth.

2. A child is being admitted to the hospital for probable pneumonia. The nurse asks what the parents have done at home for this illness. The parent comments that they have given the child a tea made up of herbs that a neighbor recommended. The parents ask if that is a safe thing to do. The most appropriate response for the nurse is:

• A. Sure, if it doesn't make the child worse, it could help.
• B. Of course, teas are rarely harmful.
• C. It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.
• D. Absolutely not, herbal teas are not appropriate for children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response is C: 'It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.' This response acknowledges the potential differences in the effects of herbal teas on adults versus children and highlights the importance of considering the lack of specific research on this topic when it comes to pediatric care. Choice A is incorrect because assuming something is safe without evidence can be risky in a pediatric setting. Choice B is also incorrect as it oversimplifies the safety of herbal teas. Choice D is too definitive and does not consider the possibility that herbal teas might have different effects on children than on adults.

3. When assessing a 6-year-old boy with pain in the right lower quadrant of his abdomen, which action should be performed first?

• A. Avoiding palpation of the abdomen.
• B. Palpating the right lower quadrant first.
• C. Auscultating bowel sounds for 2 minutes.
• D. Palpating the left upper quadrant first.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Palpating the left upper quadrant first is the correct approach when assessing abdominal pain in a child. This method helps to minimize causing additional discomfort to the child and allows for a more accurate assessment of their reaction to palpation. By starting on the left upper quadrant, you can gauge the child's pain response before moving to the area of complaint, which may be more sensitive. This approach is essential for a thorough and less distressing abdominal assessment in pediatric patients.

4. What are the MOST important initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn?

• A. Drying and warming the infant, obtaining an APGAR score.
• B. Clearing the airway, keeping the infant warm.
• C. Suctioning the airway, obtaining a heart rate.
• D. Keeping the infant warm, counting respirations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most crucial initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn involve clearing the airway to ensure proper breathing and keeping the infant warm to maintain body temperature. Airway clearance helps prevent respiratory distress, while warmth is essential to prevent hypothermia, a common issue in newborns. These steps are vital in the immediate care of a newborn to support their transition to extrauterine life and ensure their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because obtaining an APGAR score is important but not as critical as clearing the airway. Choice C is incorrect as suctioning the airway is not always necessary and obtaining a heart rate is secondary to ensuring a clear airway and warmth. Choice D is incorrect because counting respirations is not as immediate and crucial as clearing the airway.

5. What is the most appropriate action to prevent heat loss in a newborn immediately after birth?

• A. Place the newborn in an incubator
• B. Bathe the newborn right away
• C. Dry the newborn thoroughly
• D. Feed the newborn

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Drying the newborn thoroughly is the most appropriate action to prevent heat loss immediately after birth. This helps to prevent heat loss through evaporation, which is crucial in maintaining the newborn's body temperature. Placing the newborn in an incubator can be a secondary step after ensuring the baby is dry. Bathing the newborn right away is not recommended as it can lead to further heat loss through evaporation. Feeding the newborn is important but not an immediate action to prevent heat loss; ensuring the baby is dry and warm takes precedence.

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