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. What term is appropriate terminology to use for an infant whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth charts?

• A. Postterm
• B. Postmature
• C. Low birth weight
• D. Small for gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Small for gestational age.' A small for gestational age, or small-for-date, infant is any child whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth curves. Choices A and B, 'Postterm' and 'Postmature,' refer to infants born after 42 weeks of gestational age regardless of birth weight, and do not specifically address growth rate. Choice C, 'Low birth weight,' refers to infants with a birth weight less than 2500 g (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age, which is a different classification compared to being small for gestational age.

3. A two-month-old infant who has gastroesophageal reflux is thriving without other complications. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Place the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding
• B. Thicken formula with rice cereal
• C. Give continuous nasogastric feedings
• D. Give larger, less frequent feeds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a two-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux who is thriving without complications is to thicken the formula with rice cereal. This can help reduce reflux by increasing the weight of the formula, making it less likely to be regurgitated. Placing the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding (Choice A) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Continuous nasogastric feedings (Choice C) are not typically indicated for uncomplicated reflux in infants. Giving larger, less frequent feeds (Choice D) can worsen reflux symptoms by overloading the stomach.

4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a child with epiglottitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Maintain airway patency
• C. Provide hydration
• D. Monitor vital signs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain airway patency. When dealing with a child with epiglottitis, the priority nursing intervention is to ensure airway patency to prevent airway obstruction, which can lead to respiratory distress or failure. Administering antibiotics (choice A) is important to treat the infection, but airway management takes precedence. Providing hydration (choice C) and monitoring vital signs (choice D) are essential aspects of care but are secondary to securing the airway in a child with epiglottitis.

5. The nurse is teaching the family of a child with a long-term central venous access device about signs and symptoms of bacteremia. What finding indicates the presence of bacteremia?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Pain at the entry site
• C. Fever and general malaise
• D. Redness and swelling at the entry site

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fever and general malaise are systemic signs of bacteremia, indicating that the infection may have spread beyond the local entry site. Localized pain, redness, and swelling are signs of a localized infection but do not necessarily indicate bacteremia.

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