Nursing Elites

1. A child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis is demonstrating Kussmaul respirations. The nurse determines that the increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism for which acid-base alteration?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis.
• B. Respiratory acidosis.
• C. Respiratory alkalosis.
• D. Metabolic acidosis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns observed in metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this condition, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and decrease the acid levels, thereby helping to correct the acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the correct answer is metabolic acidosis.

2. A 6-year-old child with sickle cell anemia presents to the emergency department with severe pain in the legs and abdomen. The child is crying and states that the pain is unbearable. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Apply warm compresses to the painful areas
• B. Administer prescribed pain medication
• C. Encourage the child to drink fluids
• D. Monitor the child’s oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a sickle cell crisis, pain management is a priority to alleviate the child's suffering. Administering the prescribed pain medication is crucial to address the severe pain experienced by the child. Warm compresses, encouraging fluid intake, and monitoring oxygen saturation are important interventions but should follow the priority of pain management in this situation.

3. The caregiver is being educated by a healthcare provider about the use of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for their 8-year-old child with asthma. Which statement by the caregiver indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will shake the inhaler before each use
• B. My child should breathe in quickly after pressing the inhaler
• C. I should wait a minute between puffs
• D. We should use a spacer with the inhaler

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The caregiver should be informed that the child should breathe in slowly and deeply after pressing the inhaler. This allows for better medication delivery to the lungs and ensures optimal effectiveness of the treatment.

4. The nurse finds a 6-month-old infant unresponsive and calls for help. After opening the airway and finding the XXXX, the infant is still not breathing. What action should the nurse take next?

• A. Palpate the femoral pulse and check for regularity.
• B. Deliver cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths.
• C. Give two breaths that make the chest rise.
• D. Feel the carotid pulse and check for adequate breathing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a scenario where a 6-month-old infant is unresponsive and not breathing after the airway is open, giving two breaths that make the chest rise is the appropriate action. This helps deliver oxygen to the infant's lungs and can help initiate breathing. Chest compressions are not recommended for infants as the first step in resuscitation. Checking pulses like the femoral or carotid pulse is not the priority when an infant is not breathing, as providing oxygen through breaths is essential.

5. A 4-month-old girl is brought to the clinic by her mother because she has had a cold for 2 to 3 days and woke up this morning with a hacking cough and difficulty breathing. Which additional assessment finding should alert the nurse that the child is in acute respiratory distress?

• A. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds.
• B. Diaphragmatic respiration.
• C. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute.
• D. Flaring of the nares.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flaring of the nares is a clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. It indicates an increased effort to breathe and is a crucial finding that requires immediate attention, as it signifies the child is having difficulty breathing and may be in respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Bilateral bronchial breath sounds may be present in conditions like pneumonia but do not specifically indicate acute respiratory distress. Diaphragmatic respiration is a normal breathing pattern and not a sign of distress. A resting respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute in a 4-month-old infant is within the expected range, so it does not necessarily indicate acute respiratory distress.

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