Nursing Elites

1. What is a priority intervention for an infant with a temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Teaching how to irrigate the colostomy
• B. Protecting the skin around the colostomy
• C. Discussing the implications of a colostomy during puberty
• D. Using simple, straightforward language to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protecting the skin around the colostomy is crucial to prevent irritation and infection, which are common complications in infants with colostomies. Teaching and discussing long-term implications are important but secondary to immediate skin care needs.

2. What is the primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in a newborn?

• A. Cyanosis
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Absent breath sounds
• D. Tachypnea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Absent breath sounds on the affected side are a primary symptom of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Cyanosis, bradycardia, and tachypnea may also be present but are not the primary symptom. Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin due to poor oxygenation, bradycardia is a slower than normal heart rate, and tachypnea is rapid breathing.

3. An appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child should be to mix them with which?

• A. Bottle of formula or milk
• B. Any food the child is going to eat
• C. One teaspoon of something sweet-tasting such as jam
• D. Carbonated beverage, which is then poured over crushed ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mixing bitter medication with a small amount of something sweet, like jam, can mask the taste effectively without diluting the medication too much. Mixing with milk or formula is not recommended as the child may refuse future feedings, and carbonated beverages are not suitable for infants.

4. An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?

• A. Wean the infant from TPN gradually
• B. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
• C. Provide additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
• D. Offer parents encouragement that the child is close to discharge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Continuous enteral feedings help stimulate the small intestine's adaptation in short bowel syndrome, promoting better nutrient absorption and eventually reducing reliance on TPN. This approach is crucial for long-term management and improving the child's prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because weaning off TPN typically occurs gradually over time, not the next day. Choice C is incorrect because TPN can be adjusted to provide necessary nutrients, and enteral feedings are mainly used to stimulate intestinal function. Choice D is incorrect as the addition of enteral feedings does not necessarily indicate imminent discharge; it primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation and reducing reliance on TPN.

5. What is the most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth is the initiation of breathing. This transition is crucial for the newborn to start exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide outside the womb, marking the beginning of their independent respiratory function. Choices B, C, and D are important aspects of newborn care but are not as immediately critical as the establishment of breathing for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide, which is essential for the newborn's survival and adaptation to extrauterine life.

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