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 was brought to the emergency department with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and fruity-scented breath. The resident on duty diagnosed the child with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which of the following should the nurse expect to administer?

• A. Potassium chloride IV infusion.
• B. Dextrose 5% IV infusion.
• C. Ringer's Lactate.
• D. Normal saline IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), there is a state of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Normal saline is the initial fluid of choice to help restore intravascular volume and improve electrolyte balance. It also helps to correct acidosis. Potassium chloride IV infusion is commonly added to the treatment regimen once kidney function is confirmed to prevent hypokalemia. Dextrose 5% IV infusion is not the first-line treatment for DKA as it can worsen hyperglycemia. Ringer's Lactate is not typically used as the initial fluid for managing DKA as it contains potassium and could worsen hyperkalemia.

3. What percentage of total body surface area has been burned in a 5-year-old child who experienced partial-thickness burns to his head, anterior chest, and both upper extremities?

• A. 45%
• B. 63%
• C. 72%
• D. 54%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to the pediatric rule of nines, the head and neck represent 18%, the anterior chest and abdomen 18%, and each arm 9%. By adding these percentages (18% + 18% + 9% + 9% = 45%), we find that 45% of the total body surface area has been burned in this child.

4. Which of the following techniques represents the MOST appropriate method of opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury?

• A. Perform the technique as you would for an older child or adult.
• B. Lift up the chin and hyperextend the neck.
• C. Gently lift the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck.
• D. Tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tilting the head back without hyperextending the neck is the safest way to open an infant's airway. Hyperextending the neck can potentially cause harm to the infant, making option D the most appropriate method for opening an infant's airway without suspected neck injury.

5. When using the Ballard gestational assessment tool on a newborn, which of the following tests should be performed after the first hour of birth, allowing the newborn to recover from the stress of birth?

• A. Arm recoil
• B. Square window sign
• C. Scarf sign
• D. Popliteal angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Arm recoil. Arm recoil is slower in healthy but fatigued newborns after birth, making it best elicited after the first hour of birth when the baby has had time to recover from the stress of birth. This assessment helps evaluate neuromuscular maturity in newborns and is more accurate when performed after the initial recovery period. The other choices, Square window sign, Scarf sign, and Popliteal angle, are not specifically assessed using the Ballard gestational assessment tool and do not relate to the recovery period after birth.

Similar Questions