Nursing Elites

1. A child with a cardiac malformation associated with left-to-right shunting. What does this type of congenital disorder lead to primarily?

• A. Elevated hematocrit
• B. Severe growth retardation
• C. Clubbing of the fingers and toes
• D. Increased blood flow to the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Left-to-right shunting in a cardiac malformation results in increased blood flow to the lungs. This increased blood flow can lead to pulmonary hypertension and heart failure if left untreated. Elevated hematocrit (Choice A) is not a characteristic directly associated with left-to-right shunting. Severe growth retardation (Choice B) is not a typical manifestation of this type of congenital disorder. Clubbing of the fingers and toes (Choice C) is more commonly seen in conditions like chronic respiratory or cardiac diseases, not specifically with left-to-right shunting and associated cardiac malformations.

2. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Encouraging physical activity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is administering pancreatic enzymes. In cystic fibrosis, there is a deficiency in pancreatic enzymes, leading to poor digestion and malabsorption of nutrients. Administering pancreatic enzymes is essential to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Providing respiratory therapy and nutritional support are important aspects of care for a child with cystic fibrosis, but addressing the pancreatic enzyme deficiency takes priority in this scenario. Encouraging physical activity is beneficial for overall health but is not the priority intervention in this case.

3. The parents of a newborn with phenylketonuria (PKU) need help and support in adhering to specific dietary restrictions. They ask the nurse, “How long will our child have to be on this diet?” How should the nurse respond?

• A. “We are still not sure; you should discuss this with your health care provider.”
• B. “If your baby does well, foods containing protein can gradually be introduced.”
• C. “Your child needs to be on this diet at least through adolescence and into adulthood.”
• D. “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “This is a lifelong problem, and it is recommended that dietary restrictions must be continued.” PKU requires a lifelong adherence to a specific diet low in phenylalanine to prevent cognitive and developmental issues. Phenylalanine buildup can lead to irreversible damage, making it crucial for individuals with PKU to maintain dietary restrictions throughout their lives. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the lifelong nature of dietary restrictions necessary for PKU management.

4. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.

5. During a clinical conference with a group of nursing students, the instructor is describing burn classification. The instructor determines that the teaching has been successful when the group identifies what as characteristic of full-thickness burns?

• A. Skin that is reddened, dry, and slightly swollen
• B. Skin appearing wet with significant pain
• C. Skin with blistering and swelling
• D. Skin that is leathery and dry with some numbness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Full-thickness burns are characterized by a leathery, dry appearance with numbness due to nerve damage. Choice A describes characteristics of superficial burns, which are not full-thickness. Choice B describes characteristics of partial-thickness burns with intact blisters, not full-thickness burns. Choice C describes characteristics of partial-thickness burns with blistering and swelling, not full-thickness burns.

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