Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

2. Which assessment findings should the nurse expect in a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing an acute vaso-occlusive crisis?

• A. Circulatory collapse, hypovolemia
• B. Cardiomegaly, systolic murmur
• C. Hepatomegaly, intrahepatic cholestasis
• D. Painful swelling of joints in hands and feet, tissue engorgement

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia are characterized by painful swelling of the joints in the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome) and tissue engorgement due to the obstruction of blood flow by sickled cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because circulatory collapse, hypovolemia, cardiomegaly, systolic murmur, hepatomegaly, and intrahepatic cholestasis are not typically associated with an acute vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia.

3. The mother of a 3-month-old breastfed infant asks about giving her baby water because it is summer and very warm. What should the nurse tell her?

• A. Fluids in addition to breast milk are not needed.
• B. Water should be given if the infant seems to nurse longer than usual.
• C. Clear juices are better than water to promote adequate fluid intake.
• D. Water once or twice a day will make up for losses resulting from environmental temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Breast milk provides adequate hydration, even in warm weather, so additional fluids like water are not necessary and can interfere with breastfeeding.

4. What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis?

• A. Rebound tenderness
• B. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding
• C. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating
• D. Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus. This type of pain is a common early sign of acute appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, choice A, is a later sign seen in the physical examination of a patient with appendicitis. Rectal bleeding, as described in choice B, is not typically associated with appendicitis. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating, as mentioned in choice C, is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease rather than appendicitis.

5. What is the most common piece of medical equipment that can transmit harmful microorganisms among patients?

• A. Thermometer
• B. Stethoscope
• C. Injection needle
• D. Disposable gloves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stethoscope. A stethoscope is commonly used between patients, and if not correctly disinfected, it can be a dangerous source of spreading microorganisms. Thermometers typically have barriers to prevent this type of transmission. Injection needles are discarded immediately after use and not reused, making them an unlikely source of transmission. Similarly, disposable gloves are not reused, so they are also not a common source of harmful microorganism transmission.

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