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. Madam Esinam, a 45-year-old trader at the Kotokuraba community market, has brought her 8-year-old daughter Bubunyo to the clinic where you are working. According to her, Bubunyo eats very well but looks like her 5-year-old brother in terms of stature. What investigation would you request to give a definitive diagnosis of Bubunyo's condition?

• A. Renal and Liver function test
• B. Pancreatic function test
• C. Sedimentation rate (ESR)
• D. Growth hormone assessment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A growth hormone assessment is necessary to definitively diagnose growth hormone deficiency, which could be a possible cause of Bubunyo's growth delay despite adequate nutrition. This test will help determine if Bubunyo's growth issues are related to a lack of growth hormone production.

3. The healthcare provider assesses a postpartum client who is 1 day post-delivery. Which finding would require immediate intervention?

• A. Lochia rubra with a few small clots
• B. Fundus firm and midline
• C. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C)
• D. Saturated perineal pad in 15 minutes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A saturated perineal pad in 15 minutes indicates excessive bleeding, which is abnormal postpartum. This finding could suggest hemorrhage, requiring immediate intervention to prevent further complications like hypovolemic shock. Monitoring and managing postpartum bleeding are crucial to ensure the client's safety and prevent serious consequences.

4. 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.

5. Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

• A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
• C. Abdominal breathing
• D. Grunting respirations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.

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