Nursing Elites

1. A 30-year-old woman has severe lower abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding. She tells you that her last menstrual period was 2 months ago. On the basis of these findings, you should suspect:

• A. a normal pregnancy.
• B. a ruptured ovarian cyst.
• C. an ectopic pregnancy.
• D. a spontaneous abortion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Severe lower abdominal pain, light vaginal bleeding, and a history of missed periods are concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a normal menstrual period along with these symptoms raises suspicion for an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of rupture and life-threatening complications. A normal pregnancy would typically present with different symptoms such as a positive pregnancy test and typical signs of early pregnancy. A ruptured ovarian cyst may present with similar symptoms but typically lacks the history of missed periods. A spontaneous abortion usually involves heavier bleeding and tissue passage, which is not described in this scenario.

2. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

3. In counseling the parents of a child with hypopituitarism, Nurse Gyimah is asked about their child's condition. Which of the following phrases, if stated by the nurse, best describes the condition?

• A. Linear growth retardation with skeletal proportions normal for chronologic age
• B. A complete normal growth pattern, but with the onset of precocious puberty
• C. Normal growth for the first five years, followed by progressive linear growth retardation
• D. Growth retardation in which height and weight are equally affected

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypopituitarism is characterized by linear growth retardation with skeletal proportions normal for chronologic age. This means that although the child experiences growth retardation, their skeletal proportions are appropriate for their age, which distinguishes it from other conditions like precocious puberty or equal height and weight affectation. Choice B is incorrect as hypopituitarism does not involve precocious puberty. Choice C is wrong as it describes a different growth pattern not typical of hypopituitarism. Choice D is also incorrect as in hypopituitarism, height and weight are not equally affected, rather the focus is on linear growth retardation with normal skeletal proportions.

4. Serwaa, a 26-year-old mother has brought her daughter to the OPD with signs of lower respiratory tract infections. The following are the diagnoses that can be given to the daughter except:

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Asthma
• C. Bronchiolitis
• D. Coryza

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Coryza, also known as the common cold, primarily affects the upper respiratory tract and is not typically associated with lower respiratory tract infections. Pneumonia, asthma, and bronchiolitis are conditions that can manifest as lower respiratory tract infections.

5. What is the most important intervention to decrease the stressors of hospitalization for a 9-month-old infant being treated for a bacterial infection?

• A. Encourage the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care.
• B. Provide a brightly lit environment for the infant.
• C. Play tapes of the mother's voice.
• D. Assign the same nurse to the infant as much as possible.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care is crucial in decreasing the stressors of hospitalization for the infant. Parental presence provides comfort and security, promotes bonding, and maintains a sense of familiarity for the infant during a potentially stressful situation. This involvement can help reduce anxiety and promote better outcomes for the infant's emotional well-being and overall hospital experience. Providing a brightly lit environment (choice B) can actually increase stress for the infant, as infants generally prefer dimly lit environments for better sleep. Playing tapes of the mother's voice (choice C) may offer some comfort but does not substitute for parental presence. While assigning the same nurse to the infant (choice D) can provide continuity of care, it is not as effective as having the parents present for emotional support and bonding.

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