Nursing Elites

1. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
• B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
• C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
• D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder where the body cannot process phenylalanine properly. The diet for PKU must be continued lifelong to prevent cognitive and developmental issues, as phenylalanine buildup can cause irreversible damage. Choice A is incorrect because the nurse should provide information about the lifelong nature of the dietary restrictions for PKU. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests reintroducing protein-containing foods, which is not recommended for individuals with PKU. Choice C is incorrect as it underestimates the duration of the necessary dietary restrictions for PKU.

2. A family has decided to withhold “extraordinary care” for a newborn with severe abnormalities. How should the nurse interpret this decision?

• A. The newborn has no rights.
• B. It is the same as euthanasia.
• C. It is illegal professional practice.
• D. The newborn is being allowed to die.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Withholding extraordinary care in cases of severe abnormalities is a legal and ethical decision. It allows the newborn to die naturally without aggressive interventions. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights. Choice B is incorrect because withholding extraordinary care is not equivalent to euthanasia, which involves actively ending a life. Choice C is incorrect because such decisions are legally and ethically permissible when made in consideration of the best interests of the newborn.

3. A parent of a 2-year-old child tells a nurse at the clinic, 'Whenever I go to the store, my child has a screaming tantrum, demanding a toy or candy on the shelves. How can I deal with this situation?' What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Attempt to distract the child by offering a toy to the child.”
• B. “Say nothing and allow the tantrum to continue until it ends.”
• C. “Have a babysitter stay with the child at home until the child outgrows this behavior.”
• D. “Give the child the item while in the store, and when the child loses interest, return the item to the shelf.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response is to allow the tantrum to continue until it ends without giving in to the child's demands. By not rewarding the child with the desired item during a tantrum, the child learns that this behavior is not effective in getting what they want. Offering a toy to distract the child (Choice A) may reinforce the idea that tantrums lead to rewards. Leaving the child with a babysitter (Choice C) does not address the issue at hand, which is teaching the child appropriate behavior in public places. Giving the child the item temporarily (Choice D) may encourage the child to have tantrums in the future to obtain desired items.

4. What should the nurse advise the parents of a child with asthma on preventing asthma attacks?

• A. Avoid exposure to allergens
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Increase fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are commonly triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's contact with these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general health but are not specific preventive measures for asthma attacks.

5. Upon assessing a newborn immediately after delivery, you note that the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What is the most appropriate initial management for this newborn?

• A. begin positive pressure ventilations
• B. provide blow-by oxygen with oxygen tubing
• C. assess the newborn's skin condition and color
• D. start chest compressions and contact medical control

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate below 100 beats/min in a newborn indicates the need for positive pressure ventilation to improve oxygenation. Providing positive pressure ventilations helps in assisting the newborn's breathing efforts to ensure adequate oxygenation. Choice B, providing blow-by oxygen, may not be sufficient to address the underlying issue of inadequate breathing. Choice C, assessing the newborn's skin condition and color, is important but not the most immediate action needed for a heart rate below 100 beats/min. Choice D, starting chest compressions, is not indicated as the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate, albeit lower than normal, which does not warrant chest compressions.

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