Nursing Elites

1. A 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect:

• A. croup.
• B. foreign body airway obstruction.
• C. lower respiratory infection.
• D. epiglottitis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child with a sudden onset of respiratory distress and no recent illnesses or fever, the likely cause is a foreign body airway obstruction. Foreign body obstruction can lead to sudden respiratory distress without other preceding symptoms. It is crucial to consider this possibility and act promptly to clear the airway in such cases to prevent serious complications.

2. When is a newborn considered premature?

• A. Weighs less than 6.5 pounds.
• B. Is born to a heroin-addicted mother.
• C. Is born before 37 weeks gestation.
• D. Has meconium in or around its mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A newborn is considered premature if it is born before 37 weeks gestation. Premature birth increases the risk of various health problems as the baby may not be fully developed. Choice A is incorrect because the weight alone does not determine prematurity. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to a specific situation but not a direct indicator of prematurity. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of meconium does not solely indicate prematurity.

3. Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?

• A. Dry the infant briskly.
• B. Suction the mouth.
• C. Begin artificial ventilations.
• D. Begin chest compressions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.

4. An 18-month-old child presents with fever, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and a respiratory rate of 50 bpm. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?

• A. High risk for altered body temperature - hyperthermia
• B. Ineffective breathing pattern
• C. Ineffective individual coping
• D. Knowledge deficit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the child is showing signs of respiratory distress, such as nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and an increased respiratory rate. These are indicative of an ineffective breathing pattern. The child's compromised respiratory function requires immediate attention and intervention, making 'Ineffective breathing pattern' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. Choices A, C, and D do not address the respiratory distress the child is experiencing and are not the priority in this situation.

5. A 6-year-old male is hospitalized in stable condition with multiple fractures following a car accident. The child's parents tell the nurse that their 7-year-old daughter is very upset about the accident and is concerned that her brother will die. Which suggestion by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Encourage the parents to phone the sister frequently with updates on her brother's condition.
• B. Suggest that the sister come to the hospital for a visit.
• C. Suggest that one parent leave the hospital to spend extra time with their daughter at home.
• D. Remind the parents that it is normal for children to be upset when their sibling is hospitalized.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations where a sibling is upset about a family member being hospitalized, suggesting that the sister come to the hospital for a visit can help alleviate her concerns. This allows the sister to see her brother, ask questions, and receive reassurance from seeing him in stable condition. Direct contact and interaction can often provide more comfort and understanding than phone calls or staying at home. Encouraging phone calls (Choice A) might not provide the same level of comfort as a physical visit. While spending extra time with the daughter at home (Choice C) is important, in this scenario, facilitating a visit to the hospital can address the daughter's immediate concerns better. Reminding the parents that it is normal for children to be upset (Choice D) is not as proactive as arranging for the sister to visit her brother.

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