Nursing Elites

1. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.

2. The nurse is caring for a 1-month-old girl with low-set ears and severe hypotonia who was diagnosed with trisomy 18. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as most likely?

• A. Interrupted family process related to the child's diagnosis
• B. Deficient knowledge related to the genetic disorder
• C. Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis
• D. Ineffective coping related to stress from providing care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct nursing diagnosis would be 'Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis.' Trisomy 18 is associated with a poor prognosis, and families often experience feelings of grief and loss when dealing with such a diagnosis. The choice 'Interrupted family process' does not directly address the emotional response to the prognosis. 'Deficient knowledge' may be a concern but does not address the emotional aspect of dealing with a poor prognosis. 'Ineffective coping related to stress from providing care' focuses more on the caregiver's ability to cope rather than the family's response to the child's condition.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer an oral medication to a 4-year-old child. What is the best approach to gain the child's cooperation?

• A. Explain the importance of the medication to the child
• B. Allow the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication
• C. Offer a reward after the medication is taken
• D. Give the medication mixed with a small amount of the child's favorite food

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing the child to play with a favorite toy while taking the medication is the best approach to gain cooperation. This strategy can help distract and calm the child during the medication administration process. Choice A may not be as effective with a young child who may not fully understand the explanation. Offering a reward (choice C) may reinforce negative behavior and create a dependency on rewards for cooperation. Giving the medication with food (choice D) may not always be appropriate and may not address the cooperation aspect.

4. What is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate?

• A. Plastic spoon
• B. Cross-cut nipple
• C. Parenteral infusion
• D. Rubber-tipped syringe

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A cross-cut nipple is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Using a cross-cut nipple allows for easier feeding by modifying the flow of milk, which helps in reducing the risk of aspiration in infants with this condition. Plastic spoon, parenteral infusion, and rubber-tipped syringe are not suitable for feeding infants with cleft lip and palate. Feeding an infant with a cleft lip and palate requires special considerations to ensure safe and effective nutrition delivery.

5. The nurse has developed a plan of care for a 6-year-old with muscular dystrophy. He was recently injured when he fell out of bed at home. Which intervention would the nurse suggest to prevent further injury?

• A. Recommend raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night.
• B. Suggest having a caregiver present continuously to prevent falls from bed.
• C. Encourage the use of a loose restraint when he is in bed.
• D. Recommend raising the bed's side rails when a caregiver is not present.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a child with muscular dystrophy who fell out of bed, it is important to prevent further injuries. Using bed side rails when a caregiver is not present can help provide a safety measure and prevent falls. While continuous caregiver presence (choice B) may be ideal, it may not always be feasible. Recommending raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night (choice A) may limit the child's mobility unnecessarily. Encouraging the use of a loose restraint (choice C) can be dangerous and may increase the risk of injury in case of a fall.

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