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. The nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin eye ointment to a newborn. The mother asks why this is necessary. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. It helps to prevent eye infections caused by bacteria in the birth canal.
• B. It protects the baby's eyes from bright lights in the delivery room.
• C. It prevents the development of jaundice.
• D. It helps the baby see more clearly after birth.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Erythromycin eye ointment is administered to newborns to prevent eye infections caused by bacteria present in the birth canal. This ointment does not have a direct correlation with protecting the baby's eyes from bright lights, preventing jaundice, or improving the baby's vision clarity post-birth.

3. What is the main function of the uterus?

• A. Dilate and expel the baby from the cervix.
• B. House the fetus as it grows for 40 weeks.
• C. Provide a cushion and protect the fetus from infection.
• D. Provide oxygen and other nutrients to the fetus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the uterus is to house and nurture the growing fetus for approximately 40 weeks during pregnancy. It provides the necessary environment for the fetus to develop and grow until it is ready for birth. Choice A is incorrect as the cervix, not the uterus, dilates during labor to allow the baby to pass through. Choice C is incorrect as while the uterus does provide a protective environment, its primary function is not to act as a cushion. Choice D is incorrect as the placenta, not the uterus, is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

4. Which of the following injuries is MOST indicative of child abuse?

• A. Multiple bruises to the shins
• B. Burned hand with splash marks
• C. Small laceration to the chin
• D. Bruising to the upper back

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bruising to the upper back is more suspicious for child abuse compared to the other listed injuries. In young children, injuries like bruises to the upper back are less likely to be accidental and may raise concerns about physical abuse. The upper back is an area less prone to accidental injuries during play or falls. Multiple bruises to the shins are common in active children. A burned hand with splash marks may suggest accidental burns. A small laceration to the chin is also a common injury from falls in children. Therefore, the bruising on the upper back is more concerning for possible child abuse.

5. 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.

Similar Questions