Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, his blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 140 beats/min and weak. The child's blood pressure:

• A. indicates decompensated shock.
• B. reflects adequate compensation.
• C. suggests increased intracranial pressure.
• D. is appropriate based on his age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg and a pulse rate of 140 beats/min, and weak, indicate decompensated shock. This presentation signifies inadequate perfusion, leading to compensatory mechanisms being overwhelmed, resulting in decompensated shock. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs suggest the body is unable to adequately compensate for the trauma. Choice C is incorrect as the vital signs are more indicative of shock rather than increased intracranial pressure. Choice D is incorrect as such low blood pressure is not appropriate for a child of this age and indicates a critical condition.

2. What is the MOST effective way to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in a newborn?

• A. Ensure effective oxygenation and ventilation.
• B. Administer blow-by oxygen as soon as the newborn is born.
• C. Perform an Apgar assessment every 5 minutes.
• D. Suction the newborn's mouth and nose every 3 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most effective way to prevent cardiopulmonary arrest in a newborn is to ensure effective oxygenation and ventilation. This is crucial in maintaining adequate oxygen supply and preventing respiratory distress or failure, which are significant factors leading to cardiopulmonary arrest. Providing appropriate ventilation support and oxygenation can help sustain the newborn's vital functions and reduce the risk of cardiopulmonary compromise.

3. Before drying off the newborn after birth, which assessment finding should the healthcare professional document to ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool?

• A. Amount and area of vernix coverage
• B. Creases on the sole
• C. Size of the areola
• D. Body surface temperature

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To ensure an accurate gestational rating on the Ballard gestational assessment tool, healthcare professionals should document the amount and area of vernix coverage before drying the newborn. Drying the baby after birth could disturb the vernix, potentially affecting the gestational age assessment. Assessing and documenting the vernix coverage beforehand enables a more precise evaluation using the Ballard gestational assessment tool. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to gestational rating on the Ballard assessment tool.

4. When educating the mother of a child with respiratory disease who needs a lot of fluids, the mother tells the nurse that when she offers her 24-month-old son juice, he always shakes his head and says, 'No'. The nurse suggests that the mother:

• A. Be firm and hand him the glass
• B. Distract him with some food
• C. Let him see that he is making her angry
• D. Offer him a choice of two things to drink

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Offering a choice can help the child feel more in control and willing to drink. By providing the child with options, the mother empowers him to make a decision, which can increase his willingness to drink fluids. This approach promotes a sense of autonomy and may lead to a more positive response from the child, ultimately contributing to better fluid intake, especially important for a child with a respiratory disease.

5. Which of the following is an abnormal finding when assessing the abdomen of a newborn?

• A. The umbilical cord has two arteries and one vein.
• B. The presence of green vomit.
• C. The liver is palpable 1 to 2 cm below the costal margin.
• D. The abdomen is soft and nondistended.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The presence of green vomit in a newborn is an abnormal finding and indicates a possible intestinal obstruction. This finding requires immediate attention and further investigation. Choices A, C, and D are normal findings in a newborn's abdomen assessment. A newborn typically has an umbilical cord with two arteries and one vein, a liver that may be palpable 1 to 2 cm below the costal margin due to its normal size in a neonate, and a soft, nondistended abdomen as expected in healthy newborns.

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