Nursing Elites

1. Why is it recommended that closure of the palate should be done before the age of 2 for an 11-month-old infant with a cleft palate?

• A. “After the age of 2, surgery becomes frightening and should be avoided if possible.”
• B. “The eruption of the 2-year molars often complicates the surgical procedure.”
• C. “As your child grows older, the palate widens, making repair more challenging.”
• D. “Surgery should be performed before your child begins to use faulty speech patterns.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is recommended to perform palate closure surgery before the child starts using faulty speech patterns to prevent the development of speech issues that may be harder to correct later. Delaying surgery until after the age of 2 can lead to the child forming incorrect speech habits, which can be challenging to correct. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific concern related to speech development in children with cleft palates.

2. After a child returns from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?

• A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube
• B. Changing the tracheostomy dressing
• C. Monitoring respiratory status
• D. Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning helps maintain a clear airway and prevent complications such as airway obstruction or respiratory distress. While monitoring respiratory status is important, suctioning takes precedence immediately post-surgery to ensure adequate air exchange. Changing the tracheostomy dressing and ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure are also essential tasks but are secondary to the critical need for airway maintenance through suctioning.

3. 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.

4. A healthcare professional is teaching parents about why most children should be immunized against varicella (chickenpox) and why some receiving specific medications should not. Which medication should be included in the discussion?

• A. Insulin
• B. Steroids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Anticonvulsants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Steroids. Children receiving steroids should not receive the varicella vaccine as it can increase the risk of severe infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of steroids. Insulin (Choice A) is not a medication that contraindicates varicella vaccination. Antibiotics (Choice C) and anticonvulsants (Choice D) are also not medications that would impact the decision to immunize against varicella.

5. A parent tells the nurse, “My 9-month-old baby no longer has the same strong grasp that was present at birth and no longer acts startled by loud noises.” How should the nurse explain these changes in behavior?

• A. “I will check these responses before deciding how to proceed.”
• B. “Failure of these responses may be related to a developmental delay.”
• C. “Additional sensory stimulation is needed to aid in the return of these responses.”
• D. “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.” The grasp reflex and startle reflex (Moro reflex) are normal in newborns but typically disappear as the infant's nervous system matures and voluntary control develops. Choice A is incorrect because checking the responses before deciding a course of action does not address the developmental milestone related to the reflexes. Choice B is incorrect as it jumps to a conclusion of developmental delay without considering the normal developmental process. Choice C is incorrect as additional sensory stimulation is not necessary for the return of these reflexes, as they are expected to naturally diminish as part of normal development.

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