Nursing Elites

1. The student nurse has performed a gestational age assessment of an infant and finds the infant to be at 32 weeks. On which set of characteristics is the nurse basing this assessment?

• A. Lanugo mostly gone, little vernix remaining on the body
• B. Prominent clitoris, enlarging labia minora, patent anus
• C. Full areola, 5 to 10 mm nipple bud, pinkish-brown areola
• D. Skin opaque, cracking at wrists and ankles, no visible vessels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. At 30 to 32 weeks' gestation, the clitoris is prominent, and the labia minora are enlarging. The labia majora are small and widely separated. As gestational age increases, the labia majora increase in size. At 36 to 40 weeks, they almost cover the clitoris. At 40 weeks and beyond, the labia majora cover the labia minora and clitoris. Choices A, C, and D do not align with the characteristic features seen at 32 weeks of gestation, making them incorrect.

2. A new mother expresses concern about her baby's frequent hiccups. What should the nurse explain about newborn hiccups?

• A. Hiccups are a sign of respiratory distress in newborns.
• B. Hiccups indicate the baby is overeating.
• C. Hiccups are common and usually harmless in newborns.
• D. Hiccups are caused by a lack of burping.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newborn hiccups are common and usually harmless. They are typically caused by the baby's immature diaphragm and tend to resolve on their own. It is essential for parents to understand that hiccups in newborns are a normal phenomenon and do not necessarily indicate any underlying health issue. Choice A is incorrect because hiccups are not a sign of respiratory distress in newborns. Choice B is incorrect as hiccups do not indicate the baby is overeating. Choice D is also incorrect as hiccups are not solely caused by a lack of burping.

3. What is the appropriate ventilation rate for an apneic infant?

• A. 8 to 10 breaths/min.
• B. 10 to 12 breaths/min.
• C. 12 to 20 breaths/min.
• D. 20 to 30 breaths/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During resuscitation of an apneic infant, the appropriate ventilation rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This rate helps provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation without causing harm to the infant. Choice A (8 to 10 breaths/min) is too low and may not provide sufficient ventilation. Choice B (10 to 12 breaths/min) is slightly below the recommended range, which may not be optimal for effective resuscitation. Choice D (20 to 30 breaths/min) is too high and may lead to overventilation and potential harm to the infant by causing hypocapnia.

4. What is the MOST effective way to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in a newborn?

• A. Ensure effective oxygenation and ventilation.
• B. Administer blow-by oxygen as soon as the newborn is born.
• C. Perform an Apgar assessment every 5 minutes.
• D. Suction the newborn's mouth and nose every 3 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most effective way to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in a newborn is to ensure effective oxygenation and ventilation. This is crucial in maintaining adequate oxygen supply and preventing respiratory distress or failure, which are significant factors leading to cardiopulmonary arrest. Providing appropriate ventilation support and oxygenation can help sustain the newborn's vital functions and reduce the risk of cardiopulmonary compromise.

5. During transport of a woman in labor, the patient tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What should you do?

• A. Ask the mother to take short, quick breaths until you arrive at the hospital.
• B. Allow the head to deliver and check for the location of the cord.
• C. Apply gentle pressure to the baby's head and notify the hospital immediately.
• D. Advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When the top of the baby's head is visible (crowning) during transport, it indicates imminent delivery. In this situation, it is crucial to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. This ensures a safe delivery process for the mother and the baby. Waiting to arrive at the hospital or attempting to apply pressure to the baby's head can lead to complications. Allowing the head to deliver and checking for the cord's location is a necessary step during the delivery process, but the immediate priority is to assist in the safe delivery of the baby.

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