Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

• A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
• C. Abdominal breathing
• D. Grunting respirations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.

2. What characteristic indicates that a mass on a newborn's head is a cephalohematoma?

• A. The mass appears on the second day after birth.
• B. The mass grows larger when the newborn cries.
• C. The head appears asymmetrical.
• D. The mass is located on only one side of the head.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A cephalohematoma typically appears between the first and second days after birth, making choice A the correct answer. It results from blood vessel rupture between a cranial bone and the periosteal membrane. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the growth of the mass when the newborn cries, asymmetrical head appearance, or the mass being located on only one side of the head are not specific indicators of a cephalohematoma.

3. During your assessment of a woman in labor, you see the baby's arm protruding from the vagina. The mother tells you that she needs to push. You should:

• A. gently push the protruding arm back into the vagina.
• B. encourage the mother to push and give her high-flow oxygen.
• C. insert your gloved fingers into the vagina and try to turn the baby.
• D. cover the arm with a sterile towel and transport immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When encountering a protruding limb during delivery, it is crucial to recognize this as an emergency situation. The correct action is to cover the limb with a sterile towel to prevent injury and transport the mother immediately to a medical facility. Attempting to push the limb back into the vagina or trying to manipulate the baby's position can be harmful and delay necessary medical intervention. Encouraging the mother to push and providing high-flow oxygen is not appropriate in this scenario as immediate transport is essential to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.

4. Fred is a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia. Which of the following would Nurse Nica expect to assess?

• A. Mild cough
• B. Slight fever
• C. Chest pain
• D. Bulging fontanel

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chest pain is a common symptom seen in patients with pneumococcal pneumonia. It can result from inflammation of the pleura or irritation of the diaphragm due to the infection. While cough and fever are also common symptoms, chest pain is particularly significant in pneumonia cases as it can be a distressing symptom for the patient and may indicate complications or severity of the infection. Bulging fontanel, on the other hand, is more indicative of conditions affecting infants and is not typically associated with pneumococcal pneumonia in a 12-year-old boy.

5. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

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