Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

2. A child with a diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is being treated with corticosteroids. What is an important nursing consideration?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection
• B. Monitor blood pressure
• C. Monitor for hyperglycemia
• D. Monitor for hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child with nephrotic syndrome is undergoing treatment with corticosteroids, it is crucial to monitor for signs of infection. Corticosteroids can suppress the immune system, increasing the child's susceptibility to infections. Monitoring for signs of infection allows for early detection and prompt intervention, reducing the risk of complications. While monitoring blood pressure (choice B) is important in nephrotic syndrome, it is not the most immediate concern when the child is on corticosteroids. Monitoring for hyperglycemia (choice C) is relevant in corticosteroid therapy, but the priority in this scenario is to watch for signs of infection. Monitoring for hypertension (choice D) is important in nephrotic syndrome but is not the most critical consideration when the child is on corticosteroids.

3. An infant who had cardiac surgery for a congenital defect is to be discharged. What should the nurse emphasize to the parents regarding administering the prescribed antibiotic?

• A. Give the antibiotic between feedings.
• B. Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.
• C. Shake the bottle thoroughly before administering the antibiotic.
• D. Keep the antibiotic in the refrigerator after opening the bottle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.' It's crucial to stress the importance of following the prescribed antibiotic regimen to prevent infections and promote proper healing after cardiac surgery. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the fundamental aspect of adherence to the prescription. Choice C is incorrect as shaking the bottle may not be necessary for all antibiotics and is not a critical instruction in this context. Choice D is incorrect as storage instructions are not directly related to the administration of the antibiotic as prescribed, which is the primary concern in this scenario.

4. What is an early sign of congestive heart failure that the nurse should recognize?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Inability to sweat
• D. Increased urinary output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachypnea, which refers to rapid breathing, is an early sign of congestive heart failure. In heart failure, the heart's inability to pump efficiently can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing the child to breathe faster to try to compensate for the decreased oxygen exchange. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with congestive heart failure; instead, it may indicate a different issue. Inability to sweat is not a common early sign of congestive heart failure. Increased urinary output is not a typical early sign of congestive heart failure; instead, it may be a sign of other conditions like diabetes or kidney issues.

5. While performing a visual inspection of a 30-year-old woman in active labor, you can see the umbilical cord at the vaginal opening. After providing high concentration oxygen, you should next

• A. massage the uterus to facilitate delivery of the fetus
• B. relieve pressure from the cord with your gloved fingers
• C. place the mother on her left side and provide rapid transport
• D. elevate the mother's lower extremities and provide immediate transport

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario described, when the umbilical cord is visible at the vaginal opening, the priority is to relieve pressure from the cord with gloved fingers. This action helps prevent cord compression and ensures continued oxygenation to the fetus, which is crucial for the baby's well-being. Massaging the uterus or elevating the mother's lower extremities is not the correct course of action in this situation and may potentially worsen the condition. Placing the mother on her left side and providing rapid transport is not the immediate step needed to address the visible umbilical cord; relieving pressure from the cord takes precedence to maintain fetal oxygen supply.

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