Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Acidosis
• B. Alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.

2. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
• B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
• C. Place child on a cardiac monitor
• D. Place child on a pulse oximetry monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Initiating intravenous saline solution is the initial priority in managing diabetic ketoacidosis to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration first can lead to potential complications. While monitoring cardiac status and oxygen saturation are important, addressing the fluid and electrolyte imbalances takes precedence in the management of DKA.

3. When assessing a 10-month-old infant, what developmental milestone should the nurse expect to observe?

• A. Crawling
• B. Sitting without support
• C. Standing with assistance
• D. Pulling to a stand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: At 10 months of age, pulling to a stand is a developmental milestone that most infants can achieve. Crawling typically occurs around 6-9 months, sitting without support around 6-8 months, and standing with assistance around 7-11 months. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are not the expected developmental milestones for a 10-month-old infant.

4. What behavior does a toddler subjected to prolonged hospitalization with limited parental visits typically exhibit?

• A. Engage in cheerful interactions with staff members
• B. Display indications of sadness throughout the day
• C. Experience excessive crying when parents are not present
• D. Show limited emotional response to the environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Toddlers subjected to prolonged hospitalization with limited parental visits usually exhibit a limited emotional response to the environment. This behavior can be a coping mechanism for the child in dealing with the separation from their primary caregivers. The child might not show the same level of engagement or emotional expression as they would if their parents were present. Choices A, B, and C are less likely because the child's emotional response is typically more subdued and withdrawn in such circumstances, rather than being cheerful, consistently sad, or excessively crying.

5. After a discussion with the health care 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: The correct answer is D: 'It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.' Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which normally closes after birth. Choices A, B, and C describe different cardiac conditions and do not accurately define PDA. Choice A is incorrect because PDA does not involve the diameter of the aorta being enlarged. Choice B is incorrect because PDA does not involve the wall between the right and left ventricles being open. Choice C is incorrect because PDA is not a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.

Similar Questions