Nursing Elites

1. You are dispatched to a residence for a 5-year-old child who is not breathing. Upon arrival, you find the child supine on the floor, cyanotic, and unresponsive. You should first:

• A. begin chest compressions.
• B. open the airway and give two rescue breaths.
• C. apply an AED and analyze the rhythm.
• D. ask the parent for the child's medical history.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering an unresponsive and not breathing child, the initial step is to open the airway and provide two rescue breaths. This action helps to deliver oxygen to the child's lungs and body, which is crucial in attempting to restore breathing and circulation. Chest compressions are not initiated first in pediatric cases unless the child has no signs of circulation after delivering rescue breaths. Applying an AED and analyzing the rhythm is not the initial step in a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, as the primary focus should be on providing oxygenation. Asking the parent for the child's medical history is not the immediate priority when the child is unresponsive and not breathing, as interventions to support breathing and circulation should be the primary concern.

2. When discussing heart conditions, a healthcare provider explains a condition in which the lungs retain extra fluid due to left ventricular impairment. What is this condition?

• A. Whooping cough
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Asthma
• D. Pulmonary edema

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pulmonary edema is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the retention of extra fluid in the lungs, often due to left ventricular impairment. This fluid buildup can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Whooping cough (Choice A), pneumonia (Choice B), and asthma (Choice C) are not conditions related to the retention of fluid in the lungs due to left ventricular impairment. Whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection, pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, and asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and constriction.

3. Which of the following findings is abnormal?

• A. Rapid, irregular breathing in a newly born infant
• B. Heart rate of 80 beats/min in a 3-month-old infant
• C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min in a 2-year-old child
• D. Systolic BP of 100 mm Hg in a 10-year-old child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 beats per minute in a 3-month-old infant is abnormally low for that age group and could indicate underlying health issues. The normal heart rate for a 3-month-old infant is typically higher, around 100-150 beats per minute. Therefore, this finding stands out as abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choice A is not necessarily abnormal in a newly born infant as irregular breathing patterns can be common during the neonatal period. Choice C falls within the normal respiratory rate range for a 2-year-old child, which is around 20-30 breaths per minute. Choice D reflects a systolic blood pressure value within the normal range for a 10-year-old child, which is typically around 90-110 mm Hg.

4. Which of the following is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Capillary refill

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillary refill is a more reliable indicator of perfusion in children than in adults. This is because children have more compliant vessels, making capillary refill a more sensitive indicator of perfusion status in this population. In contrast, while blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate are important indicators, they may not be as reliable in children as capillary refill. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors such as anxiety or pain, heart rate can be influenced by emotions or temperature, and respiratory rate may vary with activity levels. Therefore, capillary refill is preferred in children for a more accurate assessment of perfusion.

5. How should you assist with the delivery of the baby's head?

• A. Grasping each side of the baby's head and gently pulling to facilitate delivery.
• B. Placing your fingers on the bony part of the skull and applying gentle pressure.
• C. Carefully rotating the baby's head to face up during delivery.
• D. Placing the palm of your hand firmly against the back of the baby's skull.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To assist with the delivery of the baby's head, the correct technique involves placing your fingers on the bony part of the skull and applying gentle pressure. This method helps guide the baby's head through the birth canal safely and effectively. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Grasping and pulling the baby's head, rotating the head, or placing the palm of your hand against the back of the baby's skull can potentially cause harm or complications during delivery.

Similar Questions