Nursing Elites

1. You are assessing a 26-year-old woman who is 38 weeks pregnant and is in labor. She tells you that she was pregnant once before but had a miscarriage at 19 weeks. You should document her obstetric history as:

• A. gravida 2, para 1.
• B. gravida 2, para 0.
• C. gravida 1, para 1.
• D. gravida 0, para 2.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In obstetrics, gravida indicates the number of pregnancies, including the current one. Para indicates the number of pregnancies carried to viability (20 weeks or more). Since the patient has been pregnant twice but only carried one pregnancy past 20 weeks, her obstetric history should be documented as gravida 2, para 0. The miscarriage at 19 weeks does not contribute to the para count. Choice A (gravida 2, para 1) would indicate that she has had two pregnancies with one resulting in a live birth, which is incorrect. Choice C (gravida 1, para 1) would indicate that she has had one pregnancy with one live birth, which does not reflect her obstetric history. Choice D (gravida 0, para 2) would indicate that she has never been pregnant past 20 weeks, which is also inaccurate.

2. Following delivery of a newborn and placenta, you note that the mother has moderate vaginal bleeding. The mother is conscious and alert, and her vital signs are stable. Treatment for her should include:

• A. carefully packing the vagina with sterile dressings.
• B. massaging the uterus if signs of shock develop.
• C. treating her for shock and providing rapid transport.
• D. administering oxygen and massaging the uterus.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering oxygen and massaging the uterus are appropriate interventions to manage postpartum bleeding. Oxygen helps support tissue perfusion, and uterine massage can aid in uterine contraction, controlling bleeding. These actions are indicated when the mother experiences moderate vaginal bleeding post-delivery, as described in the scenario. Careful monitoring for signs of shock should continue while these interventions are implemented to ensure the mother's condition remains stable. Choices A and B are incorrect because packing the vagina with sterile dressings is not recommended for postpartum bleeding unless it is severe and immediate action is needed, while massaging the uterus is a proactive approach and should not be delayed until signs of shock develop. Choice C is also incorrect as rapid transport is not the primary intervention in this scenario where the mother is conscious, alert, and stable, and the focus should be on immediate management of the bleeding.

3. What is a priority discharge instruction for a parent of a child experiencing the first episode of asthma?

• A. Asthma can be prevented by avoiding environmental and emotional triggers
• B. Asthma decreases the size of the airway causing distress
• C. Bronchodilators can cause tachycardia and restlessness
• D. If an attack occurs at home, the child should sit or stand

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Educating parents about avoiding triggers is a crucial part of managing asthma in children to prevent future asthma attacks. By identifying and minimizing exposure to triggers, parents can help reduce the risk of asthma exacerbations and improve the child's overall quality of life.

4. One of the signs of CHF is shortness of breath. What is the term for shortness of breath when lying down?

• A. Platypnea
• B. Orthopnea
• C. Apnea
• D. Epistaxis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Orthopnea is the specific term used to describe shortness of breath when lying down. This condition is commonly seen in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to the redistribution of fluid in the body when changing positions. Platypnea refers to shortness of breath that worsens when sitting or standing, apnea is the cessation of breathing, and epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Orthopnea).

5. An 18-month-old child presents with fever, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and a respiratory rate of 50 bpm. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?

• A. High risk for altered body temperature (hyperthermia)
• B. Ineffective breathing pattern
• C. Ineffective individual coping
• D. Knowledge deficit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the 18-month-old child presenting with fever, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and a respiratory rate of 50 bpm is 'Ineffective breathing pattern.' These symptoms collectively indicate respiratory distress, which aligns with the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern. Nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and an increased respiratory rate are signs of respiratory distress in pediatric patients, suggesting the need for immediate intervention to address the underlying breathing difficulties.

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