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. When transitioning from intravenous to oral morphine, what would the nurse anticipate regarding the oral dose in comparison to the intravenous dose to achieve equianalgesia?

• A. Same as the intravenous dose
• B. Greater than the intravenous dose
• C. One half of the intravenous dose
• D. One fourth of the intravenous dose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When switching from intravenous to oral morphine, a higher oral dose is required to achieve equianalgesia due to significant metabolism from the first-pass effect. Choosing the same oral dose as the intravenous dose would provide less pain relief. Opting for a dose greater than the intravenous dose is necessary to achieve the same analgesic effect. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.

3. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

4. What is a high-fiber food that the nurse should recommend for a child with chronic constipation?

• A. White rice
• B. Popcorn
• C. Fruit juice
• D. Ripe bananas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Popcorn is a high-fiber food that can help manage chronic constipation in children. Other options like white rice and ripe bananas are low in fiber and less effective for treating constipation.

5. The parents of a 4-month-old infant tell the nurse that they are getting a microwave oven and will be able to heat the baby’s formula faster. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Heat only 8 oz or more.
• B. Do not heat a plastic bottle in a microwave oven.
• C. Leave the bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape.
• D. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heating formula in a plastic bottle in the microwave can cause uneven heating and release harmful chemicals from the plastic.

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