Nursing Elites

1. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought to the emergency department by the mother, who states that the child has been complaining of abdominal pain and has been lethargic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed. Anticipating the plan of care, the nurse prepares to administer which type of intravenous (IV) infusion?

• A. 5% dextrose infusion
• B. Normal saline infusion
• C. NPH insulin infusion
• D. Potassium infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial intravenous (IV) fluid of choice is normal saline infusion. Normal saline helps to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA patients. It does not contain glucose to prevent worsening hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis. NPH insulin infusion is not the initial treatment for DKA; it is typically used after fluid resuscitation. Potassium infusion may be required in DKA to address electrolyte imbalances, but normal saline is the priority for fluid resuscitation.

2. Physical abuse of a 4-year-old child should be suspected if you observe:

• A. purple and yellow bruises on the thighs.
• B. bruises on the anterior tibial area.
• C. the child clinging to his or her parent.
• D. curious siblings watching you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Purple and yellow bruises on protected areas like the thighs are concerning as they indicate bruises in various stages of healing, which is a red flag for physical abuse. Bruises on the anterior tibial area or a child clinging to a parent are not specific signs of physical abuse. Siblings watching you is unrelated to the suspicion of physical abuse in this scenario.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is assessing a postpartum client's fundus. Where should the nurse expect to find the fundus 24 hours after delivery?

• A. At the level of the umbilicus
• B. 1 cm above the symphysis pubis
• C. At the level of the xiphoid process
• D. 2 cm below the umbilicus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After delivery, the fundus is expected to be at the level of the umbilicus 24 hours postpartum. This position indicates that the uterus is involuting properly. Assessing the fundal height helps monitor the progress of uterine involution and can identify any potential complications like postpartum hemorrhage.

5. What is the most important intervention to decrease the stressors of hospitalization for a 9-month-old infant being treated for a bacterial infection?

• A. Encourage the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care.
• B. Provide a brightly lit environment for the infant.
• C. Play tapes of the mother's voice.
• D. Assign the same nurse to the infant as much as possible.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the infant's parents to remain at the bedside and actively participate in the infant's care is crucial in decreasing the stressors of hospitalization for the infant. Parental presence provides comfort and security, promotes bonding, and maintains a sense of familiarity for the infant during a potentially stressful situation. This involvement can help reduce anxiety and promote better outcomes for the infant's emotional well-being and overall hospital experience. Providing a brightly lit environment (choice B) can actually increase stress for the infant, as infants generally prefer dimly lit environments for better sleep. Playing tapes of the mother's voice (choice C) may offer some comfort but does not substitute for parental presence. While assigning the same nurse to the infant (choice D) can provide continuity of care, it is not as effective as having the parents present for emotional support and bonding.

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