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 an 8-year-old girl with an endocrine disorder involving the posterior pituitary gland. What care would the nurse expect to implement?

• A. Instructing the parents to report adverse reactions to the growth hormone treatment
• B. Teaching the parents how to administer desmopressin acetate
• C. Informing the parents that treatment continues during puberty
• D. Educating the parents to report signs of acute adrenal crisis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a child with a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland, desmopressin acetate is a medication commonly used to manage the condition by replacing the antidiuretic hormone. Instructing the parents on how to administer desmopressin acetate correctly is essential for the child's care. Choice A is incorrect because growth hormone treatment is not typically used for posterior pituitary disorders. Choice C is incorrect as treatment for this condition usually continues beyond puberty. Choice D is incorrect as acute adrenal crisis is not directly related to a disorder of the posterior pituitary gland.

3. The instructor is educating a group of students about myelination in a child. Which statement by the students indicates that the teaching was successful?

• A. Myelination continues into adolescence.
• B. The process occurs in a head-to-toe fashion.
• C. Myelination speeds up nerve impulses.
• D. Myelination increases the specificity and efficiency of nerve impulses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Myelination occurs in a cephalocaudal (head-to-toe) pattern, improving nerve function progressively. Choice A is incorrect because myelination continues beyond 4 years of age and into adolescence. Choice C is incorrect as myelination speeds up nerve impulses rather than slowing them down. Choice D is incorrect because myelination increases the specificity and efficiency of nerve impulses, making them more focused and precise.

4. A health care provider orders a tap water enema for a 6-month-old infant with suspected Hirschsprung disease. What rationale causes the nurse to question the order?

• A. The result could lead to loss of necessary nutrients.
• B. It could cause a fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
• C. It could increase the fear of intrusive procedures.
• D. The result could cause shock from a sudden drop in temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Tap water enemas can cause significant fluid and electrolyte imbalances, particularly in infants, making them unsafe for this age group. Choice A is incorrect because tap water enemas do not directly lead to loss of necessary nutrients. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on emotional impact rather than physiological risks. Choice D is incorrect as shock from a sudden drop in temperature is not a common consequence of a tap water enema in this scenario.

5. The nurse is providing care to a child with a long-leg hip spica cast. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Risk for impaired skin integrity due to cast and location.
• B. Deficient knowledge related to cast care.
• C. Risk for delayed development related to immobility.
• D. Self-care deficit related to immobility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for impaired skin integrity due to cast and location. When caring for a child with a long-leg hip spica cast, the priority nursing diagnosis is the risk for impaired skin integrity. This is because the child's limited mobility and the pressure from the cast can lead to skin breakdown and complications. Choice B is incorrect as while education is essential, it is not the priority when immediate physical risks are present. Choice C is incorrect because while immobility can impact development, the immediate concern is preventing complications from the cast. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on self-care deficits rather than the physical risk of skin integrity issues.

Similar Questions