Nursing Elites

1. What type of dehydration occurs when the electrolyte deficit exceeds the water deficit?

• A. Isotonic dehydration
• B. Hypotonic dehydration
• C. Hypertonic dehydration
• D. Hyperosmotic dehydration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypotonic dehydration occurs when the loss of electrolytes exceeds the loss of water, leading to a decrease in plasma osmolarity. This often occurs when sodium loss is greater than water loss, as in diarrhea or vomiting.

2. What is the most critical physiologic change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The onset of breathing is the most immediate and critical physiologic change required for the transition to extrauterine life. Factors that interfere with this normal transition increase fetal asphyxia, which is a condition of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. While body temperature maintenance, stabilization of fluid and electrolytes, and closure of fetal shunts in the heart are crucial changes in the transition to extrauterine life, breathing and the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide must take precedence as they are essential for newborn survival.

3. Which finding suggests fluid volume deficit in an infant presenting with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. A sunken fontanel
• C. Decreased pulse rate
• D. Low urine specific gravity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants, indicating a fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, the fontanel sinks due to decreased fluid volume in the body. Increased blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Decreased pulse rate (Choice C) is not a common finding in fluid volume deficit, as the body tries to increase the heart rate to compensate for decreased volume. Low urine specific gravity (Choice D) may be seen in dehydration, but it is not as specific or as easily observable as a sunken fontanel.

4. 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.

5. A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation and asks if formula is better than breast milk since the baby is premature. What should the nurse respond?

• A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition
• B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients for preterm infants
• C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred for preterm infants
• D. Commercial formulas have not been designed to meet preterm infants' needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Human milk is preferred, even for preterm infants, because it contains essential nutrients and antibodies that are particularly beneficial for their growth and development. Choice B is incorrect because human milk is rich in essential nutrients necessary for preterm infants. Choice C is incorrect as commercial infant formulas do not provide the same benefits as human milk. Choice D is incorrect as specialized formulas are available to meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, but human milk remains the optimal choice.

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