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 is the appropriate treatment for a responsive 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color?

• A. Oxygen, back slaps, and transport.
• B. Subdiaphragmatic thrusts until the object is expelled.
• C. Assisted ventilations, back slaps, and transport.
• D. Supplemental oxygen and transport.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a responsive 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color, the appropriate treatment includes providing supplemental oxygen and arranging for transport to a healthcare facility. Oxygen helps alleviate the respiratory distress, and transport ensures the child receives further evaluation and care by healthcare professionals. Back slaps and subdiaphragmatic thrusts are not recommended for a child with a mild airway obstruction and normal skin color, as these interventions are typically reserved for more severe cases of airway obstruction.

3. What is the purpose of the pediatric assessment triangle?

• A. Detect immediate life threats through a quick hands-on assessment.
• B. Identify if the child has a medical condition or a traumatic injury.
• C. Determine if the child's problem is respiratory or circulatory in nature.
• D. Form a general impression of the child without touching them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pediatric assessment triangle is used to form a rapid, hands-off general impression of the child's condition without directly touching them. This visual assessment helps in identifying children who require immediate attention and further evaluation.

4. General guidelines when assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion include:

• A. placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen.
• B. separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination.
• C. examining the child in the parent's arms.
• D. palpating the painful area of the abdomen first.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is essential to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach can help maintain the child's comfort, keep them calm, and increase their cooperation during the assessment. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (Choice A) can be distressing and uncomfortable for the child. Separating the child from the parent (Choice B) may cause additional stress and hinder the examination process. Palpating the painful area first (Choice D) can lead to increased discomfort and resistance from the child.

5. After providing home care instructions to the mother of a child being discharged following cardiac surgery, which statement made by the mother indicates a need for further instructions?

• A. A balance of rest and exercise is important.
• B. I can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy.
• C. Activities in which falling could occur need to be avoided for two to four weeks.
• D. Large crowds of people need to be avoided for at least two weeks after the surgery.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The mother stating that she can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy indicates a need for further instructions. Applying lotion or powder to the incision is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. The other choices are correct: A) Balancing rest and exercise is important for recovery, C) avoiding activities where falling could occur is necessary to prevent injury, and D) avoiding large crowds helps reduce the risk of infections during the initial recovery period.

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