Nursing Elites

1. Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?

• A. Dry the infant briskly.
• B. Suction the mouth.
• C. Begin artificial ventilations.
• D. Begin chest compressions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.

2. After providing home care instructions to the mother of a child being discharged following cardiac surgery, which statement made by the mother indicates a need for further instructions?

• A. A balance of rest and exercise is important.
• B. I can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy.
• C. Activities in which falling could occur need to be avoided for two to four weeks.
• D. Large crowds of people need to be avoided for at least two weeks after the surgery.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The mother stating that she can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy indicates a need for further instructions. Applying lotion or powder to the incision is not recommended as it can increase the risk of infection. The other choices are correct: A) Balancing rest and exercise is important for recovery, C) avoiding activities where falling could occur is necessary to prevent injury, and D) avoiding large crowds helps reduce the risk of infections during the initial recovery period.

3. Upon assessing a newborn immediately after delivery, you note that the infant is breathing spontaneously and has a heart rate of 80 beats/min. What is the MOST appropriate initial management for this newborn?

• A. Assess the newborn's skin condition and color.
• B. Initiate positive-pressure ventilations.
• C. Start chest compressions and contact medical control.
• D. Provide blow-by oxygen with oxygen tubing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a newborn with a heart rate below 100 beats/min, the most appropriate initial management is to initiate positive-pressure ventilations. This helps support the newborn's respiratory effort and oxygenation in the setting of a low heart rate, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to vital organs. Assessing the skin condition and color, starting chest compressions, or providing blow-by oxygen are not the priority in this scenario where respiratory support is crucial.

4. What is the MOST common cause of shock in infants and children?

• A. Severe allergic reaction
• B. Dehydration
• C. Accidental poisoning
• D. Cardiac failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dehydration is the most common cause of shock in infants and children. In children, the body's fluid reserves are smaller compared to adults, making them more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Severe allergic reactions, accidental poisoning, and cardiac failure can also cause shock, but dehydration is the most frequent cause in this age group.

5. Fred is a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia. Which of the following would Nurse Nica expect to assess?

• A. Mild cough
• B. Slight fever
• C. Chest pain
• D. Bulging fontanel

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Chest pain is a common symptom seen in patients with pneumococcal pneumonia. It can result from inflammation of the pleura or irritation of the diaphragm due to the infection. While cough and fever are also common symptoms, chest pain is particularly significant in pneumonia cases as it can be a distressing symptom for the patient and may indicate complications or severity of the infection. Bulging fontanel, on the other hand, is more indicative of conditions affecting infants and is not typically associated with pneumococcal pneumonia in a 12-year-old boy.

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