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. When you attempt to assess a 22-year-old woman who has been sexually assaulted, she orders you not to touch her. Your MOST appropriate initial action should be to:

• A. obtain a signed refusal and return to service.
• B. transport the patient without performing an assessment.
• C. explain to the patient that she must be examined.
• D. ask a female EMT to attempt to assess the patient.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases of sexual assault, it's important to respect the patient's wishes and provide a female EMT to attempt the assessment if the patient prefers.

3. A breastfeeding mother reports breast engorgement. The nurse advises her to:

• A. Increase the frequency of feedings
• B. Apply ice packs to the breasts
• C. Avoid breastfeeding until the pain subsides
• D. Use a breast pump to empty the breasts completely

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts become overfilled with milk. By increasing the frequency of feedings, the mother can ensure that her breasts are emptied regularly, helping to relieve the discomfort associated with engorgement. This advice promotes effective milk removal and prevents further accumulation, which can worsen the condition. Applying ice packs may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of milk accumulation. Avoiding breastfeeding can lead to further engorgement and potential complications. Using a breast pump to empty the breasts completely may be necessary in some cases, but increasing the frequency of feedings is the initial and most appropriate intervention to manage breast engorgement.

4. What is the pattern of fever in enteric fever?

• A. Intermittent fever
• B. Relapsing fever
• C. Pel-Ebstein fever
• D. Continuous fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Enteric fever, caused by Salmonella typhi or paratyphi, is characterized by a continuous fever pattern. The fever typically persists without significant fluctuations, distinguishing it from diseases with intermittent or relapsing fever patterns. Pel-Ebstein fever, a cyclic pattern of fever seen in Hodgkin's lymphoma, is not associated with enteric fever. Relapsing fever is a characteristic of diseases like Borrelia recurrentis infection. Intermittent fever is seen in conditions like malaria.

5. The nurse is planning the care of a hospitalized 4-year-old. The most appropriate technique the nurse can use to reduce the stress of hospitalization for this child is to:

• A. Encourage the child to discuss their feelings.
• B. Encourage peer visitation.
• C. Encourage the child to play with safe medical equipment.
• D. Read a story to the child.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the child to play with safe medical equipment is the most appropriate technique to reduce stress for a hospitalized child. This technique helps familiarize the child with medical equipment in a non-threatening way, empowering them to feel more in control of the environment. Options A, B, and D may be helpful but do not directly address the child's exposure and interaction with the hospital environment, making them less effective in reducing stress in this context.

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