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. The nurse is caring for a 12-year-old boy with idiopathic thrombocytopenia. The nurse is providing discharge instructions about home care and safety recommendations to the boy and his parents. Which response indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We should avoid aspirin and medications like ibuprofen.
• B. He can resume participation in football in 2 weeks.
• C. Swimming would be a great activity.
• D. Our son cannot take any antihistamines.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B indicates a need for further teaching because participation in contact sports like football should be avoided in children with idiopathic thrombocytopenia due to the increased risk of bleeding. Choices A, C, and D are correct. Avoiding aspirin and medications like ibuprofen helps prevent bleeding complications. Swimming is a safe physical activity that can be recommended. Antihistamines do not pose a significant risk in this case and can be used if needed.

3. On the third day of hospitalization, the nurse observes that a 2-year-old toddler who had been screaming and crying inconsolably begins to regress and is now lying quietly in the crib with a blanket. What stage of separation anxiety has developed?

• A. Denial
• B. Despair
• C. Mistrust
• D. Rejection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Despair'. In separation anxiety, the stage of despair is characterized by regression and withdrawal after the initial protest. The toddler's shift from intense crying to lying quietly with a blanket demonstrates this withdrawal behavior. Choice A, 'Denial', is incorrect as denial involves refusing to accept the reality of separation. Choice C, 'Mistrust', is incorrect as it relates to a lack of trust rather than the stage of separation anxiety described in the scenario. Choice D, 'Rejection', is incorrect as it does not reflect the behavior of the toddler in the scenario, which is more indicative of withdrawal and regression.

4. A healthcare provider is assessing a child with suspected bacterial meningitis. What is a common clinical manifestation that the provider is likely to observe?

• A. Rash
• B. Photophobia
• C. Jaundice
• D. Kernig sign

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A common clinical manifestation of bacterial meningitis is a positive Kernig sign, which indicates meningeal irritation. Kernig sign is elicited when the leg is bent at the hip and knee at 90-degree angles, and pain and resistance are felt with extension at the knee due to inflamed meninges. Options A, B, and C are not typically associated with bacterial meningitis. A rash is more commonly seen in viral illnesses, photophobia can be present but is not specific to bacterial meningitis, and jaundice is not a typical clinical manifestation of this condition.

5. When caring for a child and family who just moved out of a dangerous neighborhood, which of the following approaches is appropriate to the family stress theory?

• A. Determining who the decision maker is
• B. Assessing the child's coping abilities
• C. Finding out how siblings feel
• D. Explaining procedures to siblings

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the child's coping abilities is appropriate when applying the family stress theory because it helps understand how well the child is managing the stress of the situation. This assessment can provide insights into the child's emotional well-being and resilience, enabling healthcare providers to offer appropriate support. Choices A, C, and D are less relevant in the context of family stress theory. Determining who the decision-maker is may be important but is not directly related to assessing the child's coping abilities. Finding out how siblings feel and explaining procedures to siblings may be valuable aspects of care but are not specifically aligned with the core principles of the family stress theory, which focus on understanding and addressing stress within the family unit.

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