Nursing Elites

1. You are dispatched to a residence for a 4-year-old female who is sick. Your assessment reveals that she has increased work of breathing and is making a high-pitched sound during inhalation. Her mother tells you that she has been running a high fever for the past 24 hours. Your MOST immediate concern should be:

• A. determining if the child has a history of croup.
• B. preparing to treat her for a febrile seizure.
• C. assessing the need for ventilation assistance.
• D. taking her temperature to see how high it is.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child with increased work of breathing, a high-pitched sound during inhalation, and a high fever, upper airway obstruction should be suspected. The child's condition may require immediate ventilation assistance to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Therefore, the most immediate concern in this scenario is to assess the need for ventilation assistance.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Which intervention is not appropriate for the hospitalized adolescent?

• A. Allowing the adolescent to assist with procedures when possible.
• B. Encouraging them to discuss their thoughts and feelings about the hospitalization.
• C. Encouraging them to remain in the room throughout the hospitalization to ensure adequate rest periods.
• D. Encouraging peer visitation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the adolescent to remain in the room throughout the hospitalization to ensure adequate rest periods is not appropriate. It is crucial for adolescents to have opportunities for physical activity and social interaction to promote their well-being during hospitalization. Allowing them to assist with procedures when possible can empower them and provide a sense of control. Encouraging discussions about their thoughts and feelings helps address their emotional needs. Facilitating peer visitation fosters social support, which is beneficial for their well-being. Therefore, choice C is the least appropriate as it restricts important aspects of the adolescent's development and coping mechanisms during hospitalization.

5. You have just delivered a baby girl. Your assessment of the newborn reveals that she has a patent airway, is breathing adequately, and has a heart rate of 130 beats/min. Her face and trunk are pink, but her hands and feet are cyanotic. You have clamped and cut the umbilical cord, but the placenta has not yet delivered. You should:

• A. reassess the newborn every 5 minutes and transport after the placenta delivers.
• B. keep the newborn warm, give oxygen to the mother if needed, and transport.
• C. massage the lower part of the mother's uterus until the placenta delivers.
• D. give the newborn high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and transport.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate action is to keep the newborn warm, ensure the mother receives oxygen if needed, and prepare for transport. The newborn is showing signs of central cyanosis (hands and feet being cyanotic), which can be due to various reasons, including inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, ensuring warmth and possible oxygen to the mother are important. Additionally, monitoring both the mother and baby during transport is crucial for their well-being.

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