Nursing Elites

1. When a father asks why his child with tetralogy of Fallot seems to favor a squatting position, the nurse would explain that squatting:

• A. Increases peripheral vascular resistance
• B. Decreases arterial blood flow away from the heart
• C. It's a common resting position when a child is tachycardic
• D. Increases the workload of the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Squatting increases systemic vascular resistance, which leads to a reduction in the right-to-left shunting of blood in children with tetralogy of Fallot. This helps improve oxygenation by balancing the pulmonary and systemic blood flow. The squatting position decreases the pressure in the right ventricle and reduces the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt by increasing afterload, thereby improving oxygenation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because squatting does not decrease arterial blood flow away from the heart, is not related to being tachycardic, and does not increase the workload of the heart.

2. A 3-month-old is hospitalized with a fractured femur. The pain assessment tool most appropriate for this child is the:

• A. FLACC scale.
• B. Poker chip tool.
• C. Number scale.
• D. Visual analog scale.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The FLACC scale is a validated pain assessment tool suitable for infants and young children, including 3-month-olds. It assesses pain based on five categories: Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability. Since infants cannot communicate their pain verbally, the FLACC scale is effective in evaluating pain by observing these behavioral indicators. The other options, such as the Poker chip tool, Number scale, and Visual analog scale, are not specifically designed for infants and may not provide accurate pain assessment in this age group.

3. Which position is MOST appropriate for a mother in labor with a prolapsed umbilical cord?

• A. Supine with legs elevated
• B. Supine with hips elevated
• C. Left lateral recumbent
• D. Left side with legs elevated

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate position for a mother in labor with a prolapsed umbilical cord is supine with hips elevated. This position helps reduce pressure on the cord, preventing further complications and ensuring optimal blood flow to the fetus.

4. Justine is admitted to the pediatric unit due to the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis signaling a new diagnosis of diabetes. The diabetes team explores the cause of the episode and takes steps to prevent a recurrence. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from an excessive accumulation of which of the following?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate from renal compensation
• B. Potassium from cell death
• C. Glucose from carbohydrate metabolism
• D. Ketone bodies from fat metabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from the excessive accumulation of ketone bodies from fat metabolism. During DKA, there is a lack of insulin leading to the breakdown of fat stores into fatty acids and their subsequent conversion into ketone bodies. These ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis and the characteristic symptoms of DKA.

5. Warning signs that indicate dehydration include all EXCEPT:

• A. Poor skin turgor
• B. Increased urine output
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Eager to drink

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urine output is not a warning sign of dehydration; it typically decreases with dehydration. Dehydration often presents with poor skin turgor, tachycardia, and an increased sensation of thirst (eager to drink) as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss. Choices A, C, and D are all correct warning signs of dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a result of decreased skin elasticity due to fluid loss. Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in dehydration. Feeling eager to drink is a common symptom of dehydration as the body attempts to restore fluid balance.

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