Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGs? pH 7.22, PaCO2 68 mm Hg, Base excess -2, PaO2 78 mm Hg, Saturation 80%, Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The ABG values provided indicate respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, there is an increase in PaCO2 above the normal range (35-45 mm Hg) leading to a decrease in pH (<7.35). In this case, the pH is 7.22 (below normal) with an elevated PaCO2 of 68 mm Hg. The other values do not suggest metabolic acidosis (which would typically show low bicarbonate levels) or metabolic alkalosis. Therefore, the correct interpretation of the ABGs is respiratory acidosis.

2. When caring for a newborn with macrosomia born to a mother with diabetes mellitus, which newborn complication should the nurse prioritize care for?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hypomagnesemia
• C. Hyperbilirubinemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In newborns of diabetic mothers with macrosomia, hypoglycemia is the priority focus of care due to the risk of developing low blood sugar levels after birth. Infants born to diabetic mothers are at risk of hypoglycemia because they have been exposed to high glucose levels in utero and produce high levels of insulin. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious complications if not promptly identified and managed, making it crucial for nurses to closely monitor blood glucose levels and provide necessary interventions to prevent adverse outcomes.

3. When admitting a client at 33 weeks of gestation with a diagnosis of placenta previa, which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Monitor vaginal bleeding
• B. Administer glucocorticoids
• C. Insert an IV catheter
• D. Apply an external fetal monitor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to potential bleeding. When admitting a client with placenta previa, the priority is to assess the fetal well-being. Applying an external fetal monitor helps in continuous monitoring of the fetal heart rate and ensures timely detection of any distress or changes in the fetal status, which is crucial in managing this condition. While monitoring vaginal bleeding is important, identifying fetal well-being takes precedence in this situation.

4. A newborn's mother is positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen. Which of the following should the infant receive?

• A. Hepatitis B immune globulin at 1 week followed by hepatitis B vaccine monthly for 6 months
• B. Hepatitis B vaccine monthly until the newborn tests negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen
• C. Hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hr of birth
• D. Hepatitis B vaccine at 24 hr followed by hepatitis B immune globulin every 12 hr for 3 days

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the scenario where a newborn's mother is positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, the infant should receive both hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine within 12 hours of birth. This is crucial to provide passive and active immunity against the Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis B immune globulin provides immediate protection by giving passive immunity, while the vaccine stimulates active immunity in the infant. Administering both within 12 hours of birth is important to prevent vertical transmission of the virus.

5. A client is being assessed for postpartum infection. Which of the following findings should indicate to the healthcare provider that the client requires further evaluation for endometritis?

• A. Localized area of breast tenderness
• B. Pelvic pain
• C. Vaginal discharge with foul odor
• D. Hematuria

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pelvic pain is a common symptom of endometritis, which is an infection of the uterine lining. It is an important finding that warrants further evaluation. Localized area of breast tenderness may indicate mastitis, vaginal discharge with a foul odor could suggest a vaginal infection, and hematuria points towards a urinary tract issue, but they are not specific to endometritis.

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