Nursing Elites

1. What is an early sign of congestive heart failure that the nurse should recognize?

• A. tachypnea
• B. bradycardia
• C. inability to sweat
• D. increased urinary output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachypnea is an early sign of congestive heart failure that nurses should recognize. Tachypnea refers to rapid breathing, which can be an indication of the body's attempt to compensate for decreased cardiac output in congestive heart failure. Bradycardia (choice B) is a slow heart rate and is not typically associated with congestive heart failure. Inability to sweat (choice C) and increased urinary output (choice D) are not specific early signs of congestive heart failure and are not typically recognized as such.

2. An infant is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with exstrophy of the bladder. What covering should the nurse use to protect the exposed area?

• A. Loose diaper
• B. Dry gauze dressing
• C. Moist sterile dressing
• D. Petroleum jelly gauze pad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A moist sterile dressing should be used to protect the exposed bladder tissue from infection and injury. Exstrophy of the bladder requires careful management to prevent complications such as infection. A loose diaper (Choice A) may not provide adequate protection or prevent infection. Dry gauze dressing (Choice B) may not be ideal as it could adhere to the exposed area and cause trauma upon removal. Petroleum jelly gauze pad (Choice D) may not be suitable as it can trap moisture and increase the risk of infection.

3. While assessing a child admitted for an asthma attack, a nurse in the emergency department observes large welts and scars on the child's back. What additional information must be included in the nurse’s assessment?

• A. History of an injury
• B. Signs of child abuse
• C. Presence of food allergies
• D. Recent recovery from chickenpox

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of child abuse. When a nurse observes large welts and scars on a child, it raises concern for possible child abuse. It is crucial for the nurse to assess further for signs of abuse, document findings, and report appropriately to protect the child. Choice A, history of an injury, is not specific to potential abuse and may not provide insight into the current situation. Choice C, presence of food allergies, is not directly related to the observed welts and scars. Choice D, recent recovery from chickenpox, is also unrelated to the signs of abuse and does not impact the immediate assessment of the child's safety.

4. The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse’s most appropriate response?

• A. “This is a challenging age for your child right now.”
• B. “Could you elaborate on your challenges? I’m not clear on what you mean.”
• C. “It’s important to be consistent with toddlers when they need discipline.”
• D. “I understand your concern. This phase is often referred to as the 'terrible twos'.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring boundaries and learning what behaviors are acceptable. By being consistent, parents can help reinforce these boundaries and teach appropriate behaviors effectively. Choices A, B, and D do not provide specific guidance on how to address the discipline issue effectively. While acknowledging the challenges of this age (Choice A) and empathizing with the parents (Choice D) are important, the key point in this scenario is to highlight the significance of consistency in discipline (Choice C).

5. A nurse is caring for an infant with a tentative diagnosis of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). What is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Quality of the cry
• B. Signs of dehydration
• C. Coughing up feedings
• D. Characteristics of the stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Signs of dehydration. Infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) are at high risk of dehydration due to frequent vomiting. Assessing for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes, and sunken fontanelles, is crucial for early intervention and management. Choices A, C, and D are not the most critical assessments for HPS. The quality of the cry (choice A) may not provide as much relevant information in this case. Coughing up of feedings (choice C) may be a symptom but is not as crucial as assessing for dehydration. Characteristics of the stool (choice D) are important but assessing for signs of dehydration takes precedence due to the immediate risk it poses to the infant's health.

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