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. A 7-year-old child with a history of seizures is being discharged from the hospital. What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for the parents?

• A. Administer antiepileptic medication as prescribed, not just when a seizure occurs
• B. Ensure the child gets adequate sleep
• C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
• D. Teach seizure first aid to family members

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to teach seizure first aid to family members. This is crucial because family members need to know how to appropriately respond during a seizure to ensure the child's safety. Choice A has been corrected to emphasize that antiepileptic medication should be administered as prescribed, not just when a seizure occurs, to effectively manage the condition. Choice B, while important for overall health, is not directly related to seizure management. Choice C is not recommended as restricting activities may not prevent seizures and may hinder the child's quality of life.

3. The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse how they can help their child prevent asthma attacks. What should the nurse advise?

• A. Avoid exposure to allergens
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Increase fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's exposure to these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise is beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general well-being but do not specifically address asthma prevention.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing a family to determine if they have access to adequate health care. Which statement accurately describes how certain families are affected by common barriers to health care?

• A. After a decade of escalation, the percentage of children living in low-income families has been declining since 2000.
• B. White, non-Hispanic children overall are more likely than African American and Hispanic children to be in very good or excellent health.
• C. The proportion of children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are overweight is decreasing, but there is a significant increase in African American females.
• D. The overall health care plan of working families may improve access to specialty care but limit access to preventive services.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the correct answer as white, non-Hispanic children are more likely to be in very good or excellent health compared to African American and Hispanic children. This is an important disparity in health outcomes that may be influenced by various social determinants. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe how certain families are affected by common barriers to health care. Choice A discusses the declining percentage of children in low-income families, which is not directly related to barriers to health care. Choice C talks about overweight children and the increase in African American females but does not address access to health care. Choice D discusses the impact of health care plans on working families but does not specifically address barriers to health care access for families.

5. A nurse is teaching a class about immunizations to members of a grammar school’s Parent-Teachers Association. Which childhood disease is the nurse discussing when explaining that it is a viral disease that starts with malaise and a highly pruritic rash that begins on the abdomen, spreads to the face and proximal extremities, and can result in grave complications?

• A. Rubella
• B. Rubeola
• C. Chickenpox
• D. Scarlet fever

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Chickenpox (varicella). Chickenpox is a viral disease characterized by a highly pruritic rash that typically starts on the abdomen and then spreads to other parts of the body, including the face and proximal extremities. It can lead to complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Rubella (German measles) presents with a mild rash and swollen lymph nodes; Rubeola (measles) also presents with a rash but starts on the face before spreading downwards; Scarlet fever is caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria and is characterized by a rash, fever, and sore throat.

Similar Questions