Nursing Elites

1. A 2-week-old female infant is hospitalized for the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia. After returning to the postoperative neonatal unit, her RR and HR have increased during the last hour. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider of these findings
• B. Administer a PRN analgesic as prescribed
• C. Document the findings in the infant's medical record
• D. Comfort the infant by swaddling and gently rocking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a postoperative neonatal setting, an increase in respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) in an infant could indicate pain or distress. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the infant's condition and provide appropriate interventions. Prompt communication with the healthcare provider ensures timely evaluation and management of the infant's discomfort or distress, promoting optimal postoperative recovery and comfort. Administering analgesics without healthcare provider assessment could mask underlying issues, documenting findings alone does not address the immediate need for intervention, and comforting may not resolve the underlying cause of increased RR and HR.

2. The healthcare provider is evaluating the effects of thyroid therapy used to treat a 5-month-old with hypothyroidism. Which behavior indicates that the treatment has been effective?

• A. Laughs readily, turns from back to side.
• B. Has strong Moro and tonic neck reflexes.
• C. Keeps fists clenched, opens hands when grasping an object.
• D. Can lift head but not chest when lying on abdomen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In infants, laughing readily and turning from back to side are developmental milestones that indicate effective thyroid therapy and normal development. These actions demonstrate improved muscle tone, coordination, and overall growth, which are key indicators of successful treatment for hypothyroidism in infants. Choices B, C, and D describe behaviors that are not specific indicators of thyroid therapy effectiveness in treating hypothyroidism in infants.

3. What action should the nurse take when a child presents with fever, sore throat, swollen red spots, and fluid-filled blisters?

• A. Obtain a fluid culture from the blisters
• B. Administer a fever-reducing medication
• C. Cover the drainage vesicles with a dressing
• D. Implement transmission precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a child presents with fever, sore throat, swollen red spots, and fluid-filled blisters, it may indicate a contagious viral infection. In such cases, implementing transmission precautions is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection to others in the pediatric clinic or community. Obtaining a fluid culture from the blisters (Choice A) may not be necessary at the initial stage without knowing the cause of the infection. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Choice B) may help manage symptoms but doesn't address the need for preventing transmission. Covering the drainage vesicles with a dressing (Choice C) may provide comfort to the child but does not directly address the risk of transmission to others.

4. An adolescent female who is leaning forward with her hands on her knees to breathe tells the practical nurse that she has been using triamcinolone (Azmacort) inhalation aerosol before coming to the clinic. Which action should the PN implement?

• A. Obtain vital signs and assess breath sounds for wheezing.
• B. Collect a blood sample for white blood cell count.
• C. Give the client a nebulizer breathing treatment.
• D. Administer another dose of Azmacort.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient presents with breathing difficulties, the first action should be to assess vital signs and breath sounds to evaluate the severity of the condition. This assessment will provide crucial information to determine the appropriate course of action and treatment. Collecting a blood sample for a white blood cell count, giving a nebulizer treatment, or administering another dose of Azmacort would not be the initial priority in this situation. Therefore, option A is the correct choice as it focuses on assessing the patient's respiratory status to guide further interventions.

5. When should a mother introduce solid foods to her infant? The mother of a 4-month-old baby girl asks the nurse when she should introduce solid foods to her infant. The mother states, 'My mother says I should put rice cereal in the baby’s bottle now.' The nurse should instruct the mother to introduce solid foods when her child exhibits which behavior?

• A. Stops rooting when hungry
• B. Opens mouth when food comes her way
• C. Awakens once for nighttime feedings
• D. Gives up a bottle for a cup

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Opens mouth when food comes her way.' Readiness for solid foods is indicated by the infant showing interest in food and being able to sit up with support. This behavior demonstrates the infant's readiness to start introducing solid foods in their diet. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because stopping rooting when hungry, awakening once for nighttime feedings, and giving up a bottle for a cup are not indicators of readiness for solid foods in infants.

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