Nursing Elites

1. A postpartum client who delivered a healthy newborn is being assessed by a nurse. Which finding would indicate a complication during the early postpartum period?

• A. Moderate lochia rubra
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Elevated blood pressure
• D. Uterine contraction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated blood pressure in the postpartum period may indicate the onset of preeclampsia, a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and sometimes swelling in the hands and face. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for both the mother and the baby. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor blood pressure levels in postpartum clients to promptly address any signs of preeclampsia. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of a complication during the early postpartum period. Moderate lochia rubra is a normal finding as it indicates the normal discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus after childbirth. Bradycardia, a slow heart rate, is not typically a concern in the absence of other symptoms or signs of distress. Uterine contractions are essential for involution and are expected in the postpartum period.

2. When managing Kofi, a 3-year-old who is on admission and being managed for pneumonia, the nurse has just administered ibuprofen to a child with a temperature of 38.8°C. The nurse should also take which action?

• A. Plan to administer salicylate (aspirin) in 4 hours
• B. Remove excess clothing and blankets from the child
• C. Sponge the child with cold water
• D. Withhold oral fluids for 8 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Removing excess clothing and blankets helps to promote heat loss and reduce fever. This intervention, along with the administration of antipyretics like ibuprofen, can aid in lowering the child's temperature and improving comfort during fever episodes.

3. What is the MOST common cause of shock in infants and children?

• A. Severe allergic reaction
• B. Dehydration
• C. Accidental poisoning
• D. Cardiac failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dehydration is the most common cause of shock in infants and children. In children, the body's fluid reserves are smaller compared to adults, making them more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Severe allergic reactions, accidental poisoning, and cardiac failure can also cause shock, but dehydration is the most frequent cause in this age group.

4. The healthcare provider assesses the vital signs of a 12-month-old infant with a respiratory infection and notes that the respiratory rate is 35 breaths/minute. Based on this finding, which action is most appropriate?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Document the findings
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Reassess the respiratory rate in 15 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action since a respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute falls within the normal range for a 12-month-old infant. There is no immediate need for interventions such as administering oxygen or notifying the healthcare provider. Reassessing the respiratory rate in 15 minutes is unnecessary as the rate is within normal limits.

5. When using the Ballard gestational assessment tool on a newborn, which of the following tests should be performed after the first hour of birth, allowing the newborn to recover from the stress of birth?

• A. Arm recoil
• B. Square window sign
• C. Scarf sign
• D. Popliteal angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Arm recoil. Arm recoil is slower in healthy but fatigued newborns after birth, making it best elicited after the first hour of birth when the baby has had time to recover from the stress of birth. This assessment helps evaluate neuromuscular maturity in newborns and is more accurate when performed after the initial recovery period. The other choices, Square window sign, Scarf sign, and Popliteal angle, are not specifically assessed using the Ballard gestational assessment tool and do not relate to the recovery period after birth.

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