Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a newborn immediately following birth. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Acrocyanosis
• B. Vernix caseosa
• C. A respiratory rate of 50/min
• D. Heart rate of 160/min

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, a heart rate of 160/min. A heart rate of 160/min in a newborn exceeds the normal range and could indicate potential issues that need further evaluation by the provider. Acrocyanosis (choice A) is a common finding in newborns and is not concerning. Vernix caseosa (choice B) is a white, cheesy substance found on newborn skin and is a normal finding. While a respiratory rate of 50/min (choice C) is slightly elevated, it is not as concerning as a high heart rate in a newborn.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is in labor and has an external fetal monitor in place. The nurse observes late decelerations in the fetal heart rate. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the cause of late decelerations?

• A. Fetal head compression
• B. Uteroplacental insufficiency
• C. Umbilical cord compression
• D. Fetal hypoxia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Late decelerations in the fetal heart rate are caused by uteroplacental insufficiency, which results from inadequate blood flow to the placenta. This leads to reduced oxygen and nutrients reaching the fetus during contractions. Choice A, fetal head compression, does not typically cause late decelerations but can result in variable decelerations. Choice C, umbilical cord compression, usually leads to variable decelerations. Choice D, fetal hypoxia, is a broad term and not the direct cause of late decelerations, which are specifically linked to uteroplacental insufficiency.

3. What is the most important assessment for a patient with respiratory distress?

• A. Monitor oxygen saturation
• B. Check for abnormal breath sounds
• C. Check for pitting edema
• D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial in assessing a patient with respiratory distress because it helps determine if the patient is receiving adequate oxygen. Oxygen saturation levels provide immediate feedback on the efficiency of oxygen delivery to the tissues. Checking for abnormal breath sounds (Choice B) is relevant in respiratory assessments, but it is secondary to assessing oxygen saturation. Pitting edema (Choice C) and performing a neurological exam (Choice D) are not directly related to assessing respiratory distress and are not the primary focus when managing a patient with breathing difficulties.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving digoxin for heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 68/min.
• B. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg.
• C. Vision changes.
• D. Respiratory rate 18/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Vision changes are a common sign of digoxin toxicity, which can be serious and should be reported to the provider immediately. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, or respiratory rate are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting vision changes to ensure prompt assessment and intervention.

5. What is a crucial nursing responsibility when caring for a patient with a central line?

• A. Flush the line with saline
• B. Monitor for infection
• C. Monitor fluid balance
• D. Replace the central line

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with a central line, monitoring for infection is a crucial nursing responsibility. This is essential to prevent complications such as bloodstream infections. While flushing the line with saline and monitoring fluid balance are important aspects of care, they are not as critical as monitoring for infection. Replacing the central line is only done when necessary due to complications or at the end of its recommended use.

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