Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. During the 5-minute Apgar assessment of a newborn, you note a heart rate of 130 beats/min, cyanosis in the hands and feet, and rapid respirations. The baby cries when you flick the soles of its feet and resists leg straightening. These findings correspond to an Apgar score of:

• A. 9
• B. 7
• C. 8
• D. 10

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Apgar score is a rapid assessment tool to evaluate the newborn's transition to life outside the womb. The Apgar score is based on five components: heart rate (>100 bpm), respiratory effort (rapid breathing), muscle tone (resisting leg straightening), reflex irritability (crying when feet are flicked), and color (cyanosis to extremities). The described findings match a score of 9, indicating good overall condition and adaptation to extrauterine life.

3. Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following an isolated head injury?

• A. Changes in pupillary reaction
• B. Tachycardia and diaphoresis
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Altered mental status

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children than adults following an isolated head injury. Children often present with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting after a head injury due to differences in physiological responses compared to adults.

4. What comment made by a parent of a 1-month-old would alert the nurse about the presence of a congenital heart defect?

• A. He is always hungry.
• B. He tires out during feedings.
• C. He is fussy for several hours every day.
• D. He sleeps all the time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing a 1-month-old tiring out during feedings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a congenital heart defect. This symptom may indicate that the infant is expending excess energy to compensate for a heart issue, leading to fatigue during feeding. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to a congenital heart defect. Being always hungry, fussy, or sleeping a lot are not specific signs of a congenital heart defect in a 1-month-old.

5. Management for a woman presenting with a prolapsed umbilical cord includes all of the following, EXCEPT:

• A. lifting the baby's head off the umbilical cord.
• B. placing the mother in a position that elevates her hips.
• C. ensuring that the cord stays moist during transport.
• D. relieving pressure off the cord by gently pulling on it.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases of prolapsed umbilical cord, it is crucial to manage the situation promptly. The correct steps include lifting the baby's head off the umbilical cord to reduce pressure, placing the mother in a position that elevates her hips to relieve pressure on the cord, and ensuring that the cord stays moist. Pulling on the cord is not recommended as it can further compromise fetal circulation and should be avoided. Therefore, relieving pressure off the cord by gently pulling on it is not a recommended management approach in cases of prolapsed umbilical cord.

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