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 parameter correlates best with measurements of total muscle mass?

• A. Height
• B. Weight
• C. Skinfold thickness
• D. Upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Upper arm circumference correlates best with total muscle mass because it includes both muscle and fat components, making it a reliable indicator of muscle mass.

3. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

• A. High serum pH
• B. Normal serum pH
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

4. What organism is a parasite that causes acute diarrhea?

• A. Shigella organisms
• B. Salmonella organisms
• C. Giardia lamblia
• D. Escherichia coli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite known to cause acute diarrhea, often through contaminated water or food. Shigella, Salmonella, and E. coli are bacterial pathogens that also cause diarrhea but are not parasites.

5. What is the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease?

• A. Corticosteroids
• B. Intravenous immunoglobulin
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Antivirals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG is the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease, an acute vasculitis that mainly affects children under 5 years old. Early administration of IVIG is crucial as it helps reduce the risk of coronary artery aneurysms, which is the most serious complication of Kawasaki disease. Corticosteroids (Choice A) are not the primary treatment for Kawasaki disease and are not recommended due to potential adverse effects. Antibiotics (Choice C) are not indicated for the treatment of Kawasaki disease as it is not caused by a bacterial infection. Antivirals (Choice D) are also not part of the standard treatment for Kawasaki disease, as it is not caused by a viral infection.

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