Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is teaching the parents of a toddler about the signs and symptoms of lead poisoning. Which symptom should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Abdominal pain
• B. Constipation
• C. Irritability
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Irritability is a significant symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers and should be emphasized to parents. Lead poisoning can manifest with various symptoms, but irritability is particularly common in children exposed to lead. Abdominal pain (Choice A) is not a typical symptom of lead poisoning in toddlers. While constipation (Choice B) can occur, it is less specific and less common than irritability. Frequent urination (Choice D) is not a typical symptom associated with lead poisoning in toddlers and is less relevant for parents to recognize in this context.

2. The nurse is obtaining a health history from parents of a 4-month-old boy with congenital hypothyroidism. What would the nurse most likely assess?

• A. The child's growth is above normal for his age.
• B. The child is active and playful.
• C. The skin appears pink and healthy.
• D. It is difficult to keep the child awake.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Congenital hypothyroidism in infants often leads to lethargy and difficulty staying awake due to low thyroid hormone levels. Assessing the child's ability to stay awake is crucial in identifying signs of hypothyroidism. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because above-normal growth, being active and playful, and having healthy-looking skin are not typical manifestations of congenital hypothyroidism. Instead, infants with hypothyroidism may exhibit poor weight gain, decreased activity, and dry, pale skin.

3. A newborn is diagnosed with metatarsus adductus. The parents ask the nurse how this occurred. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

• A. This condition is due to a genetic defect in the bones.
• B. It's most likely from how the baby was positioned in utero.
• C. They really don't know what causes this condition.
• D. There is probably an underlying deformity of the baby's hip.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Metatarsus adductus is a condition where the front part of the foot is turned inward. It is often caused by the baby's position in the womb, leading to pressure on the foot during fetal development. Choice A is incorrect as metatarsus adductus is not primarily caused by a genetic defect in the bones. Choice C is incorrect as the cause of metatarsus adductus is known to be related to intrauterine positioning. Choice D is incorrect as metatarsus adductus specifically pertains to the foot and not the hip.

4. A 2-week-old infant is admitted with a tentative diagnosis of a ventricular septal defect. The parents report that their baby has had difficulty feeding since coming home after birth. What should the nurse consider before responding?

• A. Feeding problems are common in neonates.
• B. Inadequate sucking is not significant unless cyanosis is present.
• C. Ineffective sucking and swallowing may be early indications of a heart defect.
• D. Many neonates retain mucus, which can interfere with feeding for several weeks.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ineffective sucking and swallowing can be early signs of a heart defect like a ventricular septal defect. This is crucial information for the nurse to consider as it aligns with the infant's tentative diagnosis. Choice A is too general and does not provide specific relevance to the situation. Choice B is incorrect as inadequate sucking can indeed be significant, especially in the context of a potential heart defect. Choice D is not directly related to the potential heart defect and feeding difficulties mentioned in the scenario.

5. At 0345, you receive a call for a woman in labor. Upon arriving at the scene, you are greeted by a very anxious man who tells you that his wife is having her baby 'now.' This man escorts you into the living room where a 25-year-old woman is lying on the couch in obvious pain. After determining that delivery is not imminent, you begin transport. While en route, the mother tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What is your most appropriate first action?

• A. allow the head to deliver and check for the location of the cord
• B. advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery
• C. tell the mother to take short, quick breaths until you arrive at the hospital
• D. prepare the mother for an emergency delivery and open the obstetrics kit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action in this scenario is to advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. When the mother feels the urge to push and you see the baby's head bulging from the vagina, it indicates an imminent delivery. Stopping the ambulance allows for a safer environment for the delivery of the baby and ensures that immediate assistance can be provided to both the mother and the newborn. Allowing the head to deliver before checking for the cord (Choice A) may delay necessary interventions in case of complications. Instructing the mother to take short, quick breaths (Choice C) is not appropriate when the baby's head is already visible. Preparing for an emergency delivery and opening the obstetrics kit (Choice D) is important but should come after stopping the ambulance and assisting with the imminent birth.

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