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 3-year-old child ingests a substance that may be a poison. The parent calls a neighbor who is a nurse and asks what to do. What should the nurse recommend the parent do?

• A. Administer syrup of ipecac.
• B. Call the poison control center.
• C. Take the child to the emergency department.
• D. Give the child bread dipped in milk to absorb the poison.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of potential poisoning, the best immediate action to take is to call the poison control center. Administering syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended as it can lead to complications such as aspiration and may interfere with subsequent treatments. Taking the child to the emergency department should only be done if advised by the poison control center or if the child is showing severe symptoms. Giving bread dipped in milk to absorb the poison is not an appropriate or effective treatment for poisoning, as it does not address the toxicity of the ingested substance and may delay appropriate medical interventions.

3. After an infant has had corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), what should the nurse teach a parent to do immediately after a feeding to limit vomiting?

• A. Rock the infant.
• B. Place the infant in an infant seat.
• C. Place the infant flat on the right side.
• D. Keep the infant awake with sensory stimulation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Placing the infant in an infant seat is essential after feeding to help keep the head elevated and reduce the risk of vomiting. This position helps prevent regurgitation of formula or milk. Rocking the infant (Choice A) is incorrect because it may exacerbate vomiting due to the movement. Placing the infant flat on the right side (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not promote proper digestion and can increase the risk of vomiting. Keeping the infant awake with sensory stimulation (Choice D) is incorrect as it does not directly address the physiological need to reduce vomiting after feeding.

4. A child is admitted with extensive burns. The nurse notes burns on the child’s lips and singed nasal hairs. The nurse should suspect that the child has a(n)

• A. chemical burn
• B. inhalation injury
• C. electrical burn
• D. hot-water scald

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Burns on the lips and singed nasal hairs indicate inhalation injury, suggesting the child has inhaled hot gases or smoke. This presentation is common in cases where the respiratory tract is exposed to hot gases or smoke, leading to potential airway compromise. Choice A, chemical burn, is incorrect because there is no mention of exposure to chemicals, and the symptoms described are more indicative of inhalation injury. Choice C, electrical burn, is incorrect as there is no evidence of electrical involvement in the scenario provided. Choice D, hot-water scald, is incorrect because the presence of singed nasal hairs points more towards inhalation injury than a scald from hot water, emphasizing the need to prioritize airway management and respiratory support.

5. A child is brought to the clinic after tripping over a rock. The child states, 'I twisted my ankle,' and is given a diagnosis of a sprain. What intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the discharge instructions for this child?

• A. For the first 24 hours, apply ice for 20 minutes and then remove for 60 minutes.
• B. Bed rest with the leg elevated for 36 hours.
• C. May take an NSAID for pain as needed.
• D. Use a compression dressing for 72 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a sprained ankle is to apply ice for 20 minutes every hour for the first 24 hours, then remove for 60 minutes to prevent tissue damage. This regimen helps reduce swelling and pain. Bed rest with the leg elevated for an extended period (36 hours) may lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion. While NSAIDs can be used for pain, they may not be necessary if pain is manageable with ice and rest. Using a compression dressing for 72 hours continuously may impede proper circulation and delay healing by restricting blood flow.

Similar Questions