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. 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.

3. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

4. A 5-year-old boy was struck by a car when he ran out into the street. When you arrive at the scene and approach the child, you see him lying supine approximately 15 feet from the car. Based on the child's age and mechanism of injury, which of the following should you suspect to be his PRIMARY injury?

• A. Lower leg injury
• B. Head injury
• C. Upper thorax injury
• D. Pelvic injury

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Given the mechanism of injury and the distance the child was thrown, a primary pelvic injury should be suspected due to the high impact and force. The pelvis is a common site for significant injury in such cases, and the distance the child was thrown indicates a high-energy impact that could lead to pelvic fractures or injuries.

5. A clinic nurse reviews the record of a child just seen by a doctor and diagnosed with suspected aortic stenosis. The nurse expects to note documentation of which clinical manifestation specifically found in this disorder?

• A. Pallor
• B. Hyperactivity
• C. Exercise intolerance
• D. Gastrointestinal disturbances

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Aortic stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, leading to reduced blood flow from the heart to the body. This narrowing restricts the amount of oxygenated blood that can reach various tissues, including muscles. As a result, individuals with aortic stenosis may experience exercise intolerance, as their muscles may not receive an adequate oxygen supply during physical activity. This can manifest as fatigue, shortness of breath, and overall decreased exercise capacity. Pallor (choice A) is a pale appearance that may be seen in anemia or other conditions affecting blood flow but is not specific to aortic stenosis. Hyperactivity (choice B) and gastrointestinal disturbances (choice D) are not typically associated with aortic stenosis.

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