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. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. Which of the following statements regarding crowning is true?

• A. Crowning represents the end of the second stage of labor.
• B. Crowning always occurs immediately after the amniotic sac has ruptured.
• C. It is safe to transport the patient during crowning if the hospital is close.
• D. Gentle pressure should be applied to the baby's head during crowning.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During crowning, it is important to apply gentle pressure to the baby's head. This helps to prevent rapid delivery, which can lead to tearing and other complications for both the mother and the baby. Applying pressure also helps to control the delivery process, ensuring a safer and more controlled birth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because crowning does not signify the end of the second stage of labor, does not always occur immediately after the amniotic sac ruptures, and it is not safe to transport the patient during crowning, especially if the hospital is nearby, as rapid delivery can occur.

3. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department, and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m., her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

• A. Notifying the doctor immediately
• B. Applying ice
• C. Elevating the arm
• D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice or elevating the arm may not address the potential serious underlying issue of compartment syndrome. Giving additional pain medication without further assessment could delay necessary intervention and potentially worsen the condition.

4. A 16-year-old is suspected of having type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which clinical manifestation may be present?

• A. moist skin
• B. weight gain
• C. fluid overload
• D. poor wound healing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Poor wound healing is a common clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes mellitus. High blood glucose levels in diabetes can impair the body's ability to heal wounds effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Moist skin is not a typical clinical manifestation of type 1 diabetes; instead, skin may become dry due to dehydration. Weight gain is unlikely as type 1 diabetes is characterized by weight loss. Fluid overload is also uncommon in type 1 diabetes, which is more commonly associated with dehydration due to frequent urination.

5. The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the nurse this child may have a genetic disorder?

• A. The inquiry determines the child had feeding problems.
• B. The child weighs 40 lb (18.2 kg) and is 40 in (101.6 cm) in height.
• C. The child has low-set ears with lobe creases.
• D. The child can hop on one foot but cannot skip.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is a common feature seen in various genetic syndromes. The other choices, including feeding problems, weight and height measurements, and motor skills, are not typically specific indicators of genetic disorders in the absence of other associated features.

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