Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is using the New Ballard Score to assess the gestational age of a newborn delivered 4 hours ago. The infant's gestational age is 33 weeks based on early ultrasound and last menstrual period. The nurse expects the infant to exhibit which of the following?

• A. Full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline
• B. Testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, vernix covering the entire body
• C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, slow recoil time
• D. 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, and slow recoil time are all characteristics of a preterm infant. A is incorrect because full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, and scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline are features of a term infant. B is incorrect as testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, and vernix covering the entire body are also indicative of a term infant. D is incorrect because a 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, and rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension are characteristics seen in a more mature infant, not a preterm newborn.

2. 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. In addition to administering high-flow oxygen, treatment should include:

• A. treating for shock and uterine massage during transport.
• B. uterine massage and transport.
• C. placing her on her left side and transport.
• D. internal vaginal pads and treating for shock during transport.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the mother is showing signs of postpartum hemorrhage with increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and mild vaginal bleeding. The correct approach involves treating for shock by addressing hypovolemia and providing uterine massage to help control bleeding. Administering high-flow oxygen is essential. Therefore, the most appropriate option is to treat for shock and perform uterine massage during transport to manage the postpartum hemorrhage effectively.

3. Upon delivery of a baby's head, you see that the umbilical cord is wrapped around its neck. Initial treatment for this condition should include:

• A. Clamping and cutting the umbilical cord.
• B. Gently pulling on the cord to facilitate removal.
• C. Trying to remove the cord from around the neck.
• D. Keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When encountering a situation where the umbilical cord is wrapped around a baby's neck upon delivery, the initial treatment should involve trying to remove the cord from around the neck gently. It is crucial to handle this situation delicately to avoid causing harm to the baby. Attempting to ease the cord over the baby's head without pulling or tightening can help prevent potential complications associated with cord compression. Choice A, clamping and cutting the umbilical cord, is not recommended as it can lead to abrupt deprivation of oxygen to the baby. Choice B, gently pulling on the cord, can worsen the situation by tightening the cord around the baby's neck. Choice D, keeping the cord moist and providing rapid transport, is not the immediate concern and does not address the potential risks of cord compression during delivery. Therefore, the priority is to carefully attempt to remove the cord from around the baby's neck to ensure a safe delivery.

4. You arrive at the scene shortly after a 3-year-old female experienced a seizure. The child, who is being held by her mother, is conscious and crying. The mother tells you that her daughter has been ill recently and has a temperature of 102.5°F. What is the MOST appropriate treatment for this child?

• A. Oxygen via non-rebreathing mask, place the child in a tub of cold water to lower her body temperature, and transport.
• B. Oxygen via the blow-by technique, transport, and request a paramedic intercept so an anticonvulsant drug can be given.
• C. Oxygen via non-rebreathing mask, avoid any measures to lower the child's body temperature, and transport at once.
• D. Oxygen via the blow-by technique, remove clothing to help reduce her fever, and transport with continuous monitoring.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate treatment for a child who has experienced a seizure and has a fever includes administering oxygen via the blow-by technique, removing clothing to help reduce fever, and transporting the child with continuous monitoring. Choice A is incorrect because placing the child in a tub of cold water can lead to hypothermia and is not recommended for fever reduction. Choice B is incorrect as requesting an anticonvulsant drug without proper evaluation and assessment by a healthcare provider is not appropriate. Choice C is incorrect as avoiding measures to lower the child's body temperature can worsen the situation in case of febrile seizures. Therefore, the best course of action is to provide oxygen via the blow-by technique, remove excess clothing to reduce fever, and transport the child while continuously monitoring her condition.

5. During your assessment of a woman in labor, you see the baby's arm protruding from the vagina. The mother tells you that she needs to push. You should:

• A. gently push the protruding arm back into the vagina.
• B. encourage the mother to push and give her high-flow oxygen.
• C. insert your gloved fingers into the vagina and try to turn the baby.
• D. cover the arm with a sterile towel and transport immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When encountering a protruding limb during delivery, it is crucial to recognize this as an emergency situation. The correct action is to cover the limb with a sterile towel to prevent injury and transport the mother immediately to a medical facility. Attempting to push the limb back into the vagina or trying to manipulate the baby's position can be harmful and delay necessary medical intervention. Encouraging the mother to push and providing high-flow oxygen is not appropriate in this scenario as immediate transport is essential to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

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