Nursing Elites

1. Which artery should you palpate when assessing for a pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old patient?

• A. Radial
• B. Brachial
• C. Femoral
• D. Carotid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing for a pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old patient, the brachial artery is the recommended site for palpation. This is because the brachial artery is easily accessible and provides a reliable indication of the patient's circulatory status in infants.

2. When is a newborn considered premature?

• A. Weighs less than 6.5 pounds.
• B. Is born to a heroin-addicted mother.
• C. Is born before 37 weeks gestation.
• D. Has meconium in or around its mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A newborn is considered premature if it is born before 37 weeks gestation. Premature birth increases the risk of various health problems as the baby may not be fully developed. Choice A is incorrect because the weight alone does not determine prematurity. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to a specific situation but not a direct indicator of prematurity. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of meconium does not solely indicate prematurity.

3. The nurse is using the New Ballard Score to assess the gestational age of a newborn delivered 4 hours ago. The infant's gestational age is 33 weeks based on early ultrasound and last menstrual period. The nurse expects the infant to exhibit which of the following?

• A. Full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline
• B. Testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, vernix covering the entire body
• C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, slow recoil time
• D. 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, and slow recoil time are all characteristics of a preterm infant. A is incorrect because full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, and scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline are features of a term infant. B is incorrect as testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, and vernix covering the entire body are also indicative of a term infant. D is incorrect because a 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, and rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension are characteristics seen in a more mature infant, not a preterm newborn.

4. A nurse provides medication instructions to a first-time mother. Which statement made by the mother indicates a need for further instructions?

• A. I should mix the medication in the baby food and give it when I feed the child
• B. I should administer the oral medication sitting in an upright position and with the head elevated
• C. I will give my child a toy after giving the medication
• D. I will offer my child a juice drink after swallowing the medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Mixing medication in baby food is not recommended as it can alter the taste and the child may refuse food.

5. Upon assessing a newborn immediately after delivery, you note that the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate of 80 beats/min. What is the MOST appropriate initial management for this newborn?

• A. Assess the newborn's skin condition and color.
• B. Initiate positive-pressure ventilations.
• C. Start chest compressions and contact medical control.
• D. Provide blow-by oxygen with oxygen tubing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a newborn with a heart rate below 100 beats/min, the most appropriate initial management is to initiate positive-pressure ventilations. This helps support the newborn's respiratory effort and oxygenation in the setting of a low heart rate, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to vital organs. Assessing the skin condition and color, starting chest compressions, or providing blow-by oxygen are not the priority in this scenario where respiratory support is crucial.

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