Nursing Elites

1. A group of students is reviewing information about the endocrine system in infants and children. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they state:

• A. Endocrine glands begin developing during gestation.
• B. Endocrine glands are fully functional at birth.
• C. Infants may have difficulty regulating glucose and electrolytes.
• D. A child’s endocrine system plays a significant role in growth and development.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants may have difficulty regulating glucose and electrolytes due to their immature endocrine systems. This can lead to issues such as hypoglycemia and electrolyte imbalances. Choice A is incorrect because endocrine glands actually begin developing early in gestation, not just in the third trimester. Choice B is incorrect as endocrine glands are not fully functional at birth; they continue to mature and develop after birth. Choice D is incorrect as a child's endocrine system has a significant impact on growth and development through the secretion of hormones that regulate various processes in the body, but it does not specifically address the difficulty in regulating glucose and electrolytes seen in infants.

2. The nurse is caring for a 3-day-old girl with Down syndrome whose mother had no prenatal care. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements related to the effects of hypotonia
• B. Deficient knowledge related to the presence of a genetic disorder
• C. Delayed growth and development related to cognitive impairment
• D. Impaired physical mobility related to poor muscle tone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a newborn with Down syndrome is often related to feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, making imbalanced nutrition the primary concern. Hypotonia, or poor muscle tone, can lead to challenges with feeding and, subsequently, affect the baby's nutritional intake. While choices B, C, and D may also be concerns for a child with Down syndrome, addressing the immediate need for adequate nutrition takes precedence to ensure the infant's well-being and growth.

3. After a discussion with the healthcare provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
• B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
• C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
• D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. In a fetus, the ductus arteriosus is a normal connection between these two vessels, allowing blood to bypass the lungs. However, it should close shortly after birth. When it remains open (patent), it leads to PDA. Choices A, B, and C do not accurately describe PDA. Choice A describes an enlarged aorta, choice B describes a ventricular septal defect, and choice C describes pulmonary stenosis, which are different cardiac conditions.

4. A parent of a 2-year-old child tells a nurse at the clinic, 'Whenever I go to the store, my child has a screaming tantrum, demanding a toy or candy on the shelves. How can I deal with this situation?' What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “Attempt to distract the child by offering a toy to the child.”
• B. “Say nothing and allow the tantrum to continue until it ends.”
• C. “Have a babysitter stay with the child at home until the child outgrows this behavior.”
• D. “Give the child the item while in the store, and when the child loses interest, return the item to the shelf.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's best response is to allow the tantrum to continue until it ends without giving in to the child's demands. By not rewarding the child with the desired item during a tantrum, the child learns that this behavior is not effective in getting what they want. Offering a toy to distract the child (Choice A) may reinforce the idea that tantrums lead to rewards. Leaving the child with a babysitter (Choice C) does not address the issue at hand, which is teaching the child appropriate behavior in public places. Giving the child the item temporarily (Choice D) may encourage the child to have tantrums in the future to obtain desired items.

5. Seizures in children most often result from

• A. an abrupt rise in body temperature
• B. an inflammatory process in the brain
• C. a temperature greater than 102°F
• D. a life-threatening infection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from an abrupt rise in body temperature, leading to febrile seizures. Febrile seizures are common in young children and are typically triggered by a rapid increase in body temperature, often due to infections or other causes. An inflammatory process in the brain (Choice B) is less common as a cause of seizures in children and is usually associated with specific conditions like encephalitis or meningitis. While a temperature greater than 102°F (Choice C) may trigger a febrile seizure, it is the abrupt rise in temperature that is the primary cause. Choice D, a life-threatening infection, is a broad and less specific cause compared to the direct trigger of an abrupt rise in body temperature.

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