Nursing Elites

1. A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who says, “My baby stopped breathing for a while.” The infant continues to have difficulty breathing, with prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?

• A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks’ gestation
• B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
• C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
• D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles can be signs of respiratory distress, which may indicate trauma such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Shaken baby syndrome can result in brain injury and respiratory compromise, leading to breathing difficulties. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be associated with SBS. Birth before 32 weeks’ gestation is more related to prematurity rather than SBS. The lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds, as well as previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds, are not specific indicators of SBS.

2. A 10-year-old girl is living with a foster family. Which intervention is the priority for the child in this family structure?

• A. Determining if the child is being bullied at school
• B. Dealing with mixed expectations of parents
• C. Establishing who is the child's actual caretaker
• D. Performing a comprehensive health assessment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing a comprehensive health assessment is crucial for a child living with a foster family as they may have moved between different homes, leading to incomplete medical records. This assessment helps identify any existing health issues, ensure appropriate care, and address any unmet health needs. While addressing issues like bullying or parental expectations is important, the immediate priority should be ensuring the child's overall health and well-being. Establishing the actual caretaker is also important but may not be as urgent as addressing potential health concerns.

3. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

• A. Recognizing the parents
• B. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence
• C. Displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
• D. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a small child, displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence would indicate altered mental status. This behavior suggests a diminished level of consciousness or awareness, which is concerning. Recognizing the parents (Choice A) is a normal and expected behavior for a child. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence (Choice B) may indicate fear or anxiety but not necessarily altered mental status. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B (Choice D) may indicate engagement or curiosity rather than altered mental status.

4. After completing an oral examination of a healthy 2-year-old child, the parent asks when the child should first be taken to the dentist. When is the most appropriate time in the child’s life for the nurse to suggest?

• A. Before starting school
• B. Within the next few months
• C. When the first deciduous teeth are lost
• D. At the next dental visit of a family member

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is recommended that a child should visit the dentist within the next few months after turning two years old. This allows for early dental check-ups to monitor oral health, detect any issues early on, and establish a good oral hygiene routine. Choice A ('Before starting school') is not as specific and may delay the child's first dental visit. Choice C ('When the first deciduous teeth are lost') is too late for the first dental visit, as preventive care should start earlier. Choice D ('At the next dental visit of a family member') is not ideal as the child's dental needs should be addressed independently of family members' visits.

5. The nurse has developed a plan of care for a 6-year-old with muscular dystrophy. He was recently injured when he fell out of bed at home. Which intervention would the nurse suggest to prevent further injury?

• A. Recommend raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night.
• B. Suggest having a caregiver present continuously to prevent falls from bed.
• C. Encourage the use of a loose restraint when he is in bed.
• D. Recommend raising the bed's side rails when a caregiver is not present.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a child with muscular dystrophy who fell out of bed, it is important to prevent further injuries. Using bed side rails when a caregiver is not present can help provide a safety measure and prevent falls. While continuous caregiver presence (choice B) may be ideal, it may not always be feasible. Recommending raising the bed's side rails throughout the day and night (choice A) may limit the child's mobility unnecessarily. Encouraging the use of a loose restraint (choice C) can be dangerous and may increase the risk of injury in case of a fall.

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