Nursing Elites

1. A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

• A. “Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.”
• B. “The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation.”
• C. “Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.”
• D. “Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Artificial surfactant can be administered as an adjunct to oxygen and ventilation therapy for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It helps improve respiratory compliance by aiding in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide until the infant can produce enough surfactant naturally. The correct explanation to the parents would be that surfactant therapy enhances the baby’s lung function by facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Choice B is incorrect because surfactant therapy does not affect sedation needs. Choice C is inaccurate as surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea. Choice D is incorrect as surfactant is not administered to fight respiratory tract infections; it specifically targets improving lung function in RDS.

2. When reviewing the electronic medical record of a postpartum client, which of the following factors places the client at risk for infection?

• A. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
• B. Placenta previa
• C. Midline episiotomy
• D. Gestational hypertension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Midline episiotomy. An episiotomy is a surgical incision made during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening. This procedure increases the risk of infection in the postpartum period due to the incision site being a potential entry point for pathogens. Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (choice A) is a risk factor for fetal distress but does not directly increase the mother's risk of infection. Placenta previa (choice B) is a condition where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, leading to potential bleeding issues but not necessarily an increased risk of infection. Gestational hypertension (choice D) is a hypertensive disorder that affects some pregnant women but is not directly associated with an increased risk of infection in the postpartum period.

3. A woman with gestational diabetes has had little or no experience reading and interpreting glucose levels. The client shows the nurse her readings for the past few days. Which reading signals the nurse that the client may require an adjustment of insulin or carbohydrates?

• A. 75 mg/dl before lunch. This is low; better eat now.
• B. 115 mg/dl 1 hour after lunch. This is a little high; maybe eat a little less next time.
• C. 115 mg/dl 2 hours after lunch. This is too high; it is time for insulin.
• D. 50 mg/dl just after waking up from a nap. This is too low; maybe eat a snack before going to sleep.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 50 mg/dl after waking from a nap is too low. During hours of sleep, glucose levels should not be less than 60 mg/dl. Snacks before sleeping can be helpful. The premeal acceptable range is 60 to 99 mg/dl. The readings 1 hour after a meal should be less than 129 mg/dl. Two hours after eating, the readings should be less than 120 mg/dl.

4. A newborn is being assessed by a nurse who was born post-term. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Nails extending over tips of fingers
• B. Large deposits of subcutaneous fat
• C. Pale, translucent skin
• D. Thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Post-term newborns often have longer nails that extend over the tips of their fingers due to the extended gestation period. This occurs because the baby continues to grow in utero past the typical 40 weeks of gestation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as large deposits of subcutaneous fat, pale translucent skin, and a thin covering of fine hair on shoulders and back are not typically associated with post-term newborns. Longer nails are a common finding in post-term newborns due to the prolonged time spent in the womb, allowing for more nail growth compared to infants born at term.

5. If an individual receives a recessive gene for eye color from both parents, the:

• A. gender of the child will not determine the expression of that trait.
• B. recessive trait will be expressed in the child.
• C. recessive trait will be expressed in all the offspring.
• D. recessive trait will be suppressed, and the dominant trait will not be expressed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When an individual inherits a recessive gene for eye color from both parents, the recessive trait will be expressed in the child. This is because having two copies of the recessive gene overrides the presence of any dominant gene. Choice A is incorrect because the expression of the trait is determined by the genetic makeup, not the gender of the child. Choice C is incorrect as the expression of the recessive trait is certain when both parents pass on the recessive gene, but it does not mean that all offspring will express the trait. Choice D is incorrect because if both parents provide a recessive gene, the dominant trait will not be expressed in the child, but it does not mean it will be suppressed; rather, the recessive trait will be expressed.

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