Nursing Elites

1. A 9-week-old infant is scheduled for cleft lip repair. Which information is most important for the nurse to convey to the surgeon before transporting the infant to the surgical suite?

• A. Red blood cell count of 2.3 million/mm³
• B. White blood cell count of 10,000/mm³
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds since birth
• D. Urine specific gravity is 1.011

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a low red blood cell count may indicate anemia, which could pose risks during surgery. Anemia can affect oxygen delivery to tissues, impacting wound healing and overall surgical outcomes. The other options, such as white blood cell count, weight gain, and urine specific gravity, are less critical for immediate surgical considerations. White blood cell count is more related to infection risk postoperatively rather than immediate surgical risk. Weight gain reflects good overall growth but does not impact the immediate surgical situation. Urine specific gravity is more indicative of hydration status rather than immediate surgical risk.

2. A 3-year-old with HIV infection is staying with a foster family who is caring for 3 other foster children in their home. When one of the children acquires pertussis, the foster mother calls the clinic and asks the nurse what she should do. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Remove the child with HIV from the foster home.
• B. Report the exposure of the child with HIV to the health department.
• C. Place the child with HIV in reverse isolation.
• D. Review the immunization documentation of the child with HIV.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to review the immunization documentation of the child with HIV. This step ensures that the child has received the necessary vaccines to protect against pertussis and other preventable diseases. It is essential to verify the immunization status to provide appropriate care and prevent further transmission of infectious diseases within the foster home. Removing the child from the foster home (Choice A) may not be necessary if the child is adequately protected through immunization. Reporting the exposure to the health department (Choice B) is important but not the first action. Placing the child in reverse isolation (Choice C) is not indicated for pertussis exposure.

3. The nurse is assessing a 4-month-old infant who has just received routine immunizations. The mother reports that the baby has been fussy and has a low-grade fever since the immunizations. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. These are common side effects and should resolve within a few days
• B. Your baby may be having an allergic reaction to the immunizations
• C. You should bring your baby to the clinic immediately for evaluation
• D. You should give your baby aspirin to help with the fever

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response by the nurse is to reassure the mother that fussiness and low-grade fever are common side effects of immunizations in infants and should resolve within a few days. It is essential to educate the mother about these expected reactions to alleviate her concerns. Choice B is incorrect because allergic reactions to immunizations usually present with more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling. Choice C is not warranted unless there are concerning symptoms present. Choice D is inappropriate as aspirin is contraindicated in infants due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

4. The infant scheduled for reduction of intussusception passes a soft-formed brown stool the day before the scheduled procedure. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Instruct the parents that the infant needs to be NPO.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider of the passage of brown stool.
• C. Obtain a stool specimen for laboratory analysis.
• D. Ask the parents about recent changes in the infant's diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial in this situation because the passage of a brown stool may indicate the resolution of intussusception. It is important to keep the healthcare provider informed about any changes in the infant's condition to ensure appropriate care and management. Instructing the parents that the infant needs to be NPO (nothing by mouth) is not necessary based on the passage of brown stool. Obtaining a stool specimen for laboratory analysis is not indicated in this scenario since the brown stool is likely a positive sign. Asking about recent changes in the infant's diet is not the priority at this moment as notifying the healthcare provider takes precedence.

5. Prior to discharge, the parents of a child with cystic fibrosis are demonstrating chest physiotherapy (CPT) that they will perform for their child at home. Which action requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Plan to perform CPT when the child awakens in the morning.
• B. A cupped hand is used when percussing the lung field.
• C. A bronchodilator is administered before starting CPT.
• D. The child is placed in a supine position to begin percussion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Placing the child in a supine position to begin percussion is incorrect for chest physiotherapy (CPT). This position is not effective for CPT as it may lead to improper drainage of secretions. The child should be in an appropriate sitting or slightly reclined position to ensure proper lung drainage during CPT. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate actions for chest physiotherapy. Performing CPT when the child awakens helps in clearing secretions, using a cupped hand during percussion is a proper technique to promote secretion movement, and administering a bronchodilator before CPT can help open up the airways for better clearance.

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