Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a child with suspected pertussis. What clinical manifestation is the healthcare professional likely to observe?

• A. Dry, hacking cough
• B. Inspiratory stridor
• C. Nasal congestion
• D. Severe coughing spells

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe coughing spells are a hallmark clinical manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is characterized by paroxysms of rapid, consecutive coughs followed by a distinctive 'whoop' sound as the patient gasps for air. This intense coughing can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and sometimes a characteristic 'whoop' sound. Inspiratory stridor (Choice B) is more commonly associated with croup, not pertussis. Nasal congestion (Choice C) is not a typical feature of pertussis. While a cough is present in pertussis, the specific type of cough described in Choice A (dry, hacking cough) is not the predominant feature observed in pertussis.

2. A child with a diagnosis of congenital heart disease is admitted to the hospital. What should the nurse include in the child’s care plan?

• A. Monitoring fluid status
• B. Encouraging activity
• C. Promoting a high-calorie diet
• D. Maintaining oxygen therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring fluid status is crucial for a child with congenital heart disease because these children are at risk of fluid overload which can worsen their condition. Monitoring fluid intake and output helps prevent complications like congestive heart failure. Encouraging activity (Choice B) should be individualized based on the child's condition and tolerance, as excessive activity can strain the heart. Promoting a high-calorie diet (Choice C) is not typically recommended for children with congenital heart disease unless specifically indicated, as excessive weight gain can worsen their cardiac function. Maintaining oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but monitoring fluid status is a more fundamental aspect of care for children with congenital heart disease.

3. After clearing the airway of a newborn who is not in distress, what is the most important action to take next?

• A. Administer free-flow oxygen
• B. Clamp and cut the cord
• C. Keep the newborn warm
• D. Obtain an APGAR score

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the newborn warm is crucial immediately after clearing the airway to prevent hypothermia, which can lead to complications in newborns. Administering free-flow oxygen is not necessary if the newborn is not in distress. Clamping and cutting the cord can be done after ensuring the newborn's warmth. Obtaining an APGAR score is important but can be done after ensuring the newborn is kept warm and stable.

4. What is the typical therapeutic management treatment for children with Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Daily enemas
• B. Low-fiber diet
• C. Permanent colostomy
• D. Surgical removal of affected section of bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most common treatment for Hirschsprung disease is the surgical removal of the affected section of the bowel. This procedure entails excising the part of the colon that lacks nerve cells crucial for normal bowel function. Daily enemas (Choice A) can offer temporary relief for constipation but do not address the root cause of the condition, which is the absence of nerve cells. A low-fiber diet (Choice B) is not a primary therapy for Hirschsprung disease and may not effectively manage the disorder. A permanent colostomy (Choice C) is typically considered in severe cases where other interventions have failed and is not the standard management approach for Hirschsprung disease.

5. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who has difficulty breathing and prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?

• A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
• B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
• C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
• D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles are signs of respiratory distress in infants. These clinical manifestations can be associated with trauma, such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS), which can lead to severe head injuries and respiratory compromise. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation (Choice A) is more related to prematurity complications rather than SBS. The absence of stridor and adventitious breath sounds (Choice B) may not be specific indicators of SBS. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds (Choice C) alone may not be as concerning as the presence of retractions and use of accessory muscles in the context of a distressed infant.

Similar Questions