Nursing Elites

1. A 4-year-old boy ingested an unknown quantity of drain cleaner. He is alert, has a patent airway, and has adequate breathing. You should:

• A. administer 1 g/kg of activated charcoal.
• B. give 15 mL of ipecac and contact medical control.
• C. contact poison control and give him oxygen.
• D. give oxygen and perform a head-to-toe exam.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a child ingests a harmful substance like drain cleaner and remains alert with a patent airway and adequate breathing, the initial steps involve contacting poison control to guide further management. In this scenario, providing oxygen to support respiratory function is essential until definitive care is established. Activated charcoal and ipecac are not recommended in the management of ingested caustic substances like drain cleaner. Performing a head-to-toe exam can wait until the child's immediate respiratory needs are addressed and the poison control center has provided guidance on further management.

2. When assessing a 30-year-old female in labor, what should the EMT do?

• A. Ask the mother when she is expecting to deliver.
• B. Avoid questioning the patient about her medical history.
• C. Determine the stage of her labor by examining her.
• D. Recall that delivery is imminent if she is crowning.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the assessment of a 30-year-old female in labor, the EMT should be aware that delivery is imminent if she is crowning. Crowning indicates that the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening, signaling that the birth is progressing rapidly and the baby will soon be delivered. This is a critical moment that requires preparedness for the birth process and ensuring a safe delivery environment. Choice A is incorrect because asking the mother when she is expecting to deliver is not relevant when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening. Choice B is incorrect as obtaining the patient's medical history is essential for providing appropriate care. Choice C is incorrect because determining the stage of labor by examining the patient is important but recognizing crowning indicates that delivery is imminent and requires immediate action.

3. What advice should a school-age child with type 1 diabetes mellitus follow to prevent hypoglycemia during soccer practice?

• A. Drink a cup of orange juice before soccer practice
• B. Eat twice the amount normally eaten at lunchtime
• C. Take half the amount of prescribed insulin on practice days
• D. Take the prescribed insulin at noontime rather than in the morning

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Drinking orange juice before soccer practice is recommended to prevent hypoglycemia in children with type 1 diabetes. Orange juice contains fast-acting carbohydrates that can quickly raise blood sugar levels if they drop during physical activity. Eating twice the amount normally eaten at lunchtime can lead to hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar, rather than preventing hypoglycemia. Adjusting insulin doses should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Taking insulin at noontime rather than in the morning does not directly address preventing hypoglycemia during afternoon soccer practice.

4. When teaching a new mother how to perform perineal care, which instruction should be included?

• A. Use a front-to-back motion when cleaning the perineal area
• B. Use a peri-bottle filled with warm water after each voiding
• C. Avoid using any cleansing solution on the perineal area
• D. Apply powder to the perineal area to keep it dry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a peri-bottle filled with warm water after each voiding is essential for proper perineal care as it helps cleanse the area without causing irritation and promotes healing. It is important to avoid using a back-to-front motion to prevent introducing bacteria into the urethra, and using powder may increase the risk of infection. Cleansing solutions specifically formulated for perineal care may be recommended but should be used under healthcare provider guidance.

5. 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.

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