Nursing Elites

1. Why is a prolapsed umbilical cord dangerous?

• A. The cord may be wrapped around the baby's neck, causing strangulation.
• B. The cord might pull the placenta from the uterine wall during delivery.
• C. The baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen.
• D. The mother may die of hypoxia due to compromised placental blood flow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prolapsed umbilical cord is dangerous because the baby's head may compress the cord, cutting off its supply of oxygen. This compression can lead to oxygen deprivation, potentially causing significant harm to the baby. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent adverse outcomes.

2. What is the pattern of fever in enteric fever?

• A. Intermittent fever
• B. Relapsing fever
• C. Pel-Ebstein fever
• D. Continuous fever

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Enteric fever, caused by Salmonella typhi or paratyphi, is characterized by a continuous fever pattern. The fever typically persists without significant fluctuations, distinguishing it from diseases with intermittent or relapsing fever patterns. Pel-Ebstein fever, a cyclic pattern of fever seen in Hodgkin's lymphoma, is not associated with enteric fever. Relapsing fever is a characteristic of diseases like Borrelia recurrentis infection. Intermittent fever is seen in conditions like malaria.

3. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought to the emergency department by the mother, who states that the child has been complaining of abdominal pain and has been lethargic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed. Anticipating the plan of care, the nurse prepares to administer which type of intravenous (IV) infusion?

• A. 5% dextrose infusion
• B. Normal saline infusion
• C. NPH insulin infusion
• D. Potassium infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial intravenous (IV) fluid of choice is normal saline infusion. Normal saline helps to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA patients. It does not contain glucose to prevent worsening hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis. NPH insulin infusion is not the initial treatment for DKA; it is typically used after fluid resuscitation. Potassium infusion may be required in DKA to address electrolyte imbalances, but normal saline is the priority for fluid resuscitation.

4. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

5. A new parent reports to the nurse that the baby looks cross-eyed several times a day. The nurse teaches the parents that this finding should resolve in how long?

• A. 2 months
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 1 year
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Transient strabismus, causing the baby to look cross-eyed, is due to poor neuromuscular control of the eye muscles. This condition typically resolves on its own within 3 to 4 months as the infant's neuromuscular control improves. Parents should be reassured that this is a common and temporary issue in infants. Choice A is incorrect as it is too long for the resolution of transient strabismus. Choice B is incorrect as 2 weeks is too short for resolution. Choice C is incorrect as 1 year is too long for transient strabismus to resolve.

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