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. A child is being admitted to the hospital for probable pneumonia. The nurse asks what the parents have done at home for this illness. The parent comments that they have given the child a tea made up of herbs that a neighbor recommended. The parents ask if that is a safe thing to do. The most appropriate response for the nurse is:

• A. Sure, if it doesn't make the child worse, it could help.
• B. Of course, teas are rarely harmful.
• C. It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.
• D. Absolutely not, herbal teas are not appropriate for children.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response is C: 'It might be safe for adults, but research might not have been conducted on the effects on children.' This response acknowledges the potential differences in the effects of herbal teas on adults versus children and highlights the importance of considering the lack of specific research on this topic when it comes to pediatric care. Choice A is incorrect because assuming something is safe without evidence can be risky in a pediatric setting. Choice B is also incorrect as it oversimplifies the safety of herbal teas. Choice D is too definitive and does not consider the possibility that herbal teas might have different effects on children than on adults.

3. When educating the mother of a child with respiratory disease who needs a lot of fluids, the mother tells the nurse that when she offers her 24-month-old son juice, he always shakes his head and says, 'No'. The nurse suggests that the mother:

• A. Be firm and hand him the glass
• B. Distract him with some food
• C. Let him see that he is making her angry
• D. Offer him a choice of two things to drink

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Offering a choice can help the child feel more in control and willing to drink. By providing the child with options, the mother empowers him to make a decision, which can increase his willingness to drink fluids. This approach promotes a sense of autonomy and may lead to a more positive response from the child, ultimately contributing to better fluid intake, especially important for a child with a respiratory disease.

4. Which of the following is an indication of lower respiratory infection?

• A. Cough
• B. Fever
• C. Inability to lie supine
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inability to lie supine is a significant indication of lower respiratory infection. This symptom often occurs due to breathing difficulties and discomfort experienced by individuals with lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It can be caused by lung inflammation, consolidation, or fluid buildup in the lungs, making lying flat uncomfortable or difficult. Monitoring a patient's ability to lie flat can provide valuable information about the severity and progression of a lower respiratory infection.

5. A 7-year-old child has an altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash. You perform your assessment and administer supplemental oxygen. En route to the hospital, you should be MOST alert for:

• A. hypotension.
• B. combativeness.
• C. convulsions.
• D. respiratory distress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 7-year-old child with altered mental status, high fever, and a generalized rash, the most critical concern is the potential for convulsions. These symptoms could indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a febrile seizure or another type of seizure activity. Monitoring for convulsions is crucial during transport to ensure prompt intervention if they occur, as seizures can lead to additional complications and require immediate management.

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