Nursing Elites

1. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

2. What is a common finding that the nurse can identify in most children with symptomatic cardiac malformations?

• A. Mental retardation
• B. Inherited genetic factors
• C. Delayed physical growth
• D. Clubbing of the fingertips

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Delayed physical growth is a common finding in most children with symptomatic cardiac malformations. This occurs due to inadequate oxygenation and nutrient supply to tissues as a result of the cardiac defect. Mental retardation (Choice A) is not typically associated with cardiac malformations unless there are complications affecting brain function. Inherited genetic factors (Choice B) may contribute to the development of cardiac malformations but are not a direct common finding in affected children. Clubbing of the fingertips (Choice D) is more commonly associated with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions, not specifically cardiac malformations in children.

3. A nurse is caring for an infant born with exstrophy of the bladder. What does the nurse determine is the greatest risk for this infant?

• A. Infection
• B. Dehydration
• C. Urinary retention
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the greatest risk for an infant with exstrophy of the bladder due to the exposure of the bladder and surrounding tissues. The exposed bladder increases the risk of infection as it lacks the protective covering of the skin. Dehydration (Choice B) may occur but is not the greatest risk compared to infection. Urinary retention (Choice C) is less likely due to the nature of the condition. Intestinal obstruction (Choice D) is not directly associated with exstrophy of the bladder.

4. A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?

• A. metabolic alkalosis due to insufficient production of acid metabolites
• B. respiratory alkalosis due to depressed respirations and retention of carbon dioxide
• C. respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations and increased formation of carbonic acid
• D. metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to compensate for decreased carbonic acid formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.

5. When teaching a group of parents in the daycare center about accident prevention, the nurse explains that young toddlers are prone to injuries from falls. When receiving feedback, the nurse identifies that more teaching is needed when one parent states, 'I will:'

• A. keep medications in a medicine cabinet.
• B. have secured gates at entrances to staircases.
• C. move our child to a regular bed by the appropriate age.
• D. buy shoes that close with Velcro rather than laces.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moving a child to a regular bed by the appropriate age is not recommended as it can increase the risk of falls. Toddlers should transition to a regular bed only when developmentally ready to prevent accidents. Keeping medications in a medicine cabinet (Choice A) promotes safety by preventing accidental ingestion. Securing gates at entrances to staircases (Choice B) helps prevent falls down stairs. Buying shoes that close with Velcro rather than laces (Choice D) is a good practice to prevent tripping and falling.

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