Nursing Elites

1. The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?

• A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
• B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant’s colonic bacteria.
• C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
• D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.

2. A parent receives a note from the school that a student in class has head lice. The parent calls the school nurse to ask how to check for head lice. What instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Ask the child where it itches.
• B. Check to see if your dog has ear mites.
• C. Look along the scalp line for white dots.
• D. Observe between the fingers for red lines.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to look along the scalp line for white dots (nits) when checking for head lice. White dots are indicative of head lice infestation. Itching alone, as mentioned in choice A, is not a reliable indicator of head lice. Choice B is irrelevant as it refers to checking for ear mites in a dog, not head lice in a human. Observing between the fingers for red lines, as in choice D, is not a method to check for head lice.

3. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a child with Addison's disease. What would the nurse expect to find?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased aldosterone production. The decreased aldosterone results in impaired sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion, leading to hyperkalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is unlikely because sodium reabsorption is impaired. Hyperglycemia (Choice C) is not a typical lab finding in Addison's disease. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not associated with Addison's disease; rather, it can be seen in conditions like hyperparathyroidism.

4. When caring for a 2-year-old girl who is wheezing and has difficulty breathing, which interview question would provide the most useful information related to the symptoms of the child?

• A. Inquiring about child safety in the home
• B. Asking about the temperament of the child
• C. Asking about the child's diet
• D. Asking the parents if they smoke in the home

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Asking the parents if they smoke in the home is the most relevant question as exposure to secondhand smoke can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like wheezing and difficulty breathing in children. Smoking indoors can worsen the child's condition and is crucial information for the healthcare provider to assess and address. Inquiring about child safety in the home, asking about the child's temperament, and questioning the child's diet are important aspects of care but are not directly linked to the immediate respiratory symptoms the child is experiencing.

5. When teaching an adolescent with type 1 diabetes about dietary management, what should the nurse include?

• A. Meals should be eaten at home.
• B. Foods should be weighed using a gram scale.
• C. A ready source of glucose should be available.
• D. Specific foods should be cooked for the adolescent.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A ready source of glucose should be available. When managing type 1 diabetes, it is crucial to have a quick source of glucose readily available in case of hypoglycemia. This ensures that the adolescent can quickly raise their blood sugar levels to prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not address the immediate need for glucose in managing hypoglycemia. While it is important for meals to be consumed regularly and in a controlled manner, specifying that they should be eaten at home or foods weighed using a gram scale is not as critical as ensuring a quick source of glucose in emergency situations.

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